Bonner General celebrates hospital's many volunteers

Volunteers are a critical component of the day-to-day operations at Bonner General Hospital. In an era of diminished healthcare reimbursement and increased demand for services, volunteers are more important than ever. As we recognize National Healthcare Volunteer Week April 19-25, we are delighted to recognize and thank our volunteers for all they do.

Volunteers work in all areas of the hospital in a multitude of capacities. While the physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals provide medical care and treatment, volunteers promote the health and welfare of our patients by providing those special touches that make the hospital stay a little more pleasant.

The Bonner General Hospital auxiliary volunteers have been a vital part of our community hospital since its inception and play a particularly important role in the lives of our patients.

Whether they’re greeting patients and visitors, delivering cards or gifts, bringing the morning newspaper to a patient’s room or simply asking how they can make a patient or family member more comfortable, these volunteers truly dedicate themselves to improving the patient experience.

Equally special are those who work with hospice patients through Bonner Community Hospice, a service of Bonner General Hospital. These volunteers commit themselves to providing support and comfort to patients and their families at the end of life. They give respite care for family members, assist with grocery shopping, run errands or provide transportation, and extend a gentle hand in a most difficult time.

Not all of our volunteers work directly with patients, but they play an equally important role in providing a comfortable healing environment. One example is the volunteers who so lovingly maintain the Healing Garden, which has become a tranquil retreat for our community. Likewise, the beautiful artwork secured and maintained through the Art for the Soul program is managed by volunteers who have an appreciation for art and who care deeply about making our hospital more aesthetically-pleasing.

Last but certainly not least, the Bonner General Hospital board of directors and BGH Foundation board of trustees are both comprised of individuals who provide governance and oversight of the hospital’s operations and fundraising on a volunteer basis. These community leaders dedicate a significant amount of time and energy to ensuring that we continue to have a financially viable hospital that provides quality healthcare to all who need it.

These are just a few examples of the many ways volunteers enhance your not-for-profit, community hospital.

Our volunteers are a diverse group, but share a common desire to make a difference in the lives of others. On behalf of the employees and staff of Bonner General Hospital, we offer a heartfelt thank you to each one of them. If you would like more information about volunteer opportunities at Bonner General Hospital, please call 263-1441.

n Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital.