ED Friends mark 10 years

CELEBRATE: Friends of the Emergency Department team leader Iris Keat (right) and volunteers Olive Cartwright and Jean Cameron cut their 10-year anniversary cake. PHOTO: ALECIA ROUSSEAU

Long-time friends of Palmerston North Hospital's emergency department are celebrating a milestone this week.

St John's Friends of the Emergency Department (FEDs) have been operating locally for 10 years, helping thousands of people through what can be a very distressing time.

They perform a non-clinical role, being available for a chat, some comfort and even a cup of tea.

During a morning tea at St John's head office on Church St, team leader Iris Keat says the group has grown over the years and now includes 49 volunteers.

They undertake a four-hour shift every week, with some travelling from as far as Taihape to do so. The goal is to have the ED covered seven days a week, 12 hours a day.

Mrs Keat says she never has to worry about volunteers not turning up for work -- because they all love what they do.

Julia Proctor has been travelling from Taihape for the past six years. She was previously a volunteer ambulance officer but after some back issues, was forced to make a change.

"Volunteering in the ED was easier for me in some ways. And I remember a time when my mum was in hospital and worrying if the family couldn't get there. Knowing these friends can be was a relief."

She says the role also allows her to give back to the community.

"You get to meet a lot of new and interesting people and, you do get a lot of satisfaction. We also get together as colleagues and have social functions, it's a real network and Iris is great, she motivates everybody."

The volunteers were thanked for their invaluable service by community care manager Karen Hosking, and community services manager Julie Tavenor. Ms Tavenor said the group has dedicated more than 7000 hours to the hospital in the past year.

"This is what it takes to run our programme in this hospital -- thank you so much. We know many of our volunteers are also part of our other initiatives such as caring callers, shuttles, fundraising and committees and, from the feedback we get from the hospital, we know you are such a valuable and integral part. You work hard behind the scenes doing whatever is required to make this stressful times in people's lives easier."

If you would like to become a Friend of the Emergency Department, visit www.stjohn.org.nz.