Health volunteers awarded for their contribution

20 June 2014

Taranaki DHB volunteers have been successful in receiving Minister of Health Volunteer Awards and will be recognised for their invaluable contribution to New Zealand’s health and disability sector this Tuesday 24 June 2014 at an awards ceremony at the Taranaki DHB.

Friends of ED Volunteer Coordinator, Joan McCardle has been awarded the Health Care Provider Service award and the Taranaki DHB Meet and Greet Team are runner’s up in the same category.

Former ED Nurse Manager, Cameron Grant-Fargie said that Joan McCardle is strongly committed to providing great support for patients in the ED.  “She has poured hours of her time and energy into coordinating, running and maintaining the Friends of ED program which has made a difference to the ED experience,” he said.  

Kelsey Fleming, Taranaki DHB’s Volunteer Coordinator said the Meet and Greet team have helped the DHB’s outpatient clinics run more effectively by making sure that patients are on time and at the right place when required. 

“We have several long standing members of the Meet and Greet Blue Coats team who provide a comforting and familiar face to frequent visitors to the hospital.  Nothing has been too much for the volunteers and they have helped out whenever needed” added Fleming.   

The Health Care Provider Service award celebrates the outstanding contributions of an inspirational individual or team of volunteers to a health care provider in New Zealand (including hospitals, Public Health Organisations and General Practice practitioners).  To be selected, nominees will have demonstrated excellence in the health and disability sector; particularly towards the health of people and communities, meeting local, regional and national needs and promoting effective care and support of those in need.  

An awards ceremony was held in Wellington on 16 June where Minister of Health, Tony Ryall presented Joan McCardle with her award. Both Joan and the Meet & Greet Volunteers group will be at the Taranaki DHB ceremony which will be held in Barretts Lounge at 11.30am on Tuesday 24 June 2014. Media are welcome.

For further information please call
Cressida Gates-Thompson
Media Adviser
Ph 027 703 6177

Last updated: Friday, June 20, 2014