The Extraordinary Power of a Friendly Smile

In a hospital the size of RBWH, the sight of a warm, friendly smile on arrival, the offer of directions to an appointment, or a complimentary cup of tea, can make all the difference to patients and their loved ones.

Our dedicated RBWH Foundation Volunteer Compassion Crew provide all of those services and more, every week day of the year, except when COVID-19 restricts visitor numbers.

In 2021, this dedicated and committed team still managed to accrue an impressive 25,000 hours, across many areas of the hospital including:

• Herston Alcohol & Drug Service group sessions

• Concierge at the RBWH Main Entrance

• Justice of the Peace at RBWH and STARS

• Meet and Greet Service in the RBWH Patient Drop-off Zone

• Patient Companion in RBWH Heart Support Service, Renal Unit, Medical Imaging and Transit Lounge

• Patient Laundry Services

• Patient Support for the Eat Walk Engage program

• Visitor Companion in RBWH ICU

• Ward Companion in 9 RBWH wards and 2 STARS’ wards

• Wayfinding at RBWH and STARS

The Compassion Crew are the Foundation’s ambassadors inside the hospital and demonstrate, every day, the extraordinary power of giving. They give their time, expertise and talent to our patients and we are very appreciative.

University of Queensland student, Phoebe Taylor, signed up a year ago to gain insight into a hospital environment. The Exercise Nutrition Science student hopes to eventually move into dietetics.

“I want to become a dietitian, so getting a bit of experience with the hospital and how it works will give me some insight into my future career,” said Phoebe.

“It is an honour to represent and be part of the RBWH Foundation. I can see firsthand how much donors and the Foundation are enhancing the patient experience. I am so proud to give my time to this mission.”

WAYS TO VOLUNTEER

VISIT fundraise.rbwhfoundation.com.au/rbwh-foundation-compassion-crew, email compassioncrew@rbwhfoundation.com.au or call 1300 363 786 to enquire about volunteering.