MOUNT GAMBIER health network volunteer Yvonne Pace has both laughed and cried with hospital emergency department patients through her half-decade of community service.
Ms Pace is one of several Limestone Coast Local Health Network volunteers who now adorn a bright, neon blue uniform which was first implemented on Wednesday.
The new design has been tailored to suit the wide range of community representatives and follows length deliberation on colour, style and design by the volunteers.
Ms Pace said the uniform allowed the public to easily identify volunteers through the sea of hospital staff and visitors.
“Many people who visit the hospital do not feel comfortable talking to staff but are confident enough to talk to a volunteer,” Ms Pace said.
“I think it is because we are just like them and this uniform lets them know we are there if they need it.
“They know we will not judge and are there if they need someone to talk to.”
With five years of hospital volunteering experience, Ms Pace said it involved a range of different roles.
“I think the uniform shows to the community there are a lot of hospital volunteers in all departments, which they may not realise,” she said.
“We do a wide variety of jobs and save the hospital millions of dollars.
“Without volunteers people would miss out.”
Ms Pace said she enjoyed every step of her rewarding job as a volunteer.
“If I can make a client forgot their troubles for a short period of time then my job is done,” she said.
“I can go home and I know I have done something worth while.”
Volunteer coordinator Amy Watt said the uniform concept was first introduced by a long-serving volunteer at a meeting.
“He had been to Adelaide and had seen volunteers wearing a uniform,” Ms Watt said.
“Volunteers give back to the community without being not necessarily recognised.
“Having this uniform is a way of giving them the recognition they deserve.”
