Barbara Hamilton has volunteered at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital since the day the hospital opened back in 1986. She plays an important role in helping patients and in improving the day-to-day operation of the hospital.

“We really appreciate Miss. Barbara,” said Vicki Mayfield, a registered nurse who works in triage in the emergency room. “Everything she contributes, from stocking our triage area with basic dressings and linens to escorting patients back to the emergency room and tracking down the wheelchairs we need, helps us improve patient flow in the emergency room. The bottom line is she helps us get patients back to see the doctor sooner.”

With the opening next year of the new Pavilion at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital comes numerous volunteer opportunities. The hospital is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of responsibilities such as greeting patients as they arrive to directing them to where they need to go.

“It’s always fun volunteering at Methodist,” said Hamilton, “I get the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people.”

William Kenley, CEO and administrator for Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, sets big goals for the hospital. One of those goals includes recruiting 100 new volunteers by the time the new Pavilion opens early next year. To date, the hospital has signed up 20 new volunteers, that leaves 80 volunteer positions to be filled and exceeding that goal he said would be even better.

“We value the contribution our volunteers make to the overall experience our patients and their families have while they are staying with us,” said Kenley. “Volunteers provide special services such as escorting visitors and offering words of comfort that really make a difference in making our patients and their families feel comfortable in our hospital.”

“Volunteering really makes me feel good,” said Hamilton. “By doing some of the smaller jobs like stocking items, the medical staff is freed up to concentrate on caring for patients.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, contact Rebecca Cullison at 901.516.6967.