With a clear passion for helping local patients, Lorelei Murdoch is a welcome face in the Bundaberg Hospital emergency department, interacting and engaging with patients through meaningful activities.
Lorelei is one of the valuable volunteers as part of Partners in Care Together and said it means the world to her to be able to contribute to the GEDI (Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention) program and made the day easier for the patents and staff.
It isn’t the first time Lorelei has put her hand up to volunteer, she was previously at an aged care facility for four years dealing with all kinds of situations and being able to attend to their needs.
When she was asked if being a GEDI volunteer was something that she would be interested in doing, Lorelei immediately replied yes knowing there was a real need and wanting to help the elderly however she could.
Lorelei said it was so nice to be able to give back to the community.
“Better to give than receive,” she said.
“I am a nurturing, easy going type of person and I also am able to talk to people about all types of things which is beneficial in this role.
“I am also very patient and giving of my time and I love to make people smile in the emergency department especially the children.
“I am willing to do whatever it takes to make their day better.
“For me when it comes to volunteering, I love to see the smiles on the faces and being able to brighten someone’s day or helping the patient to pass the long day, especially while they are waiting for tests or results.”
Not only does Lorelei donate her time, she also shares her craft skills with adorable companion critters.
She started making cute and colourful bears and cats to give to patients and over time realised that there was a great demand for some little toys in the emergency department.
“I went onto the Bundaberg Community Group on Facebook asking for donations of material and if anyone would like to help me make some toy animals.
“I now have two other ladies helping me make them, one of the ladies makes the little critters and one helps me make the bears and cats and thanks to the generosity of people I have been given material and pillows for stuffing.
“These have been very appreciated by staff and mothers of children, because after a child has been upset by having a cannula put in or needle, it is so nice to give them one of these toys and see the smile on their faces.
“It turns a bad experience into a nice one.
“The dementia patients also love them, they give them comfort as they cuddle them especially the ladies.”
By sharing the love and passion she has for her Partners in Care Together volunteer role, Lorelei hopes to inspire others as there is a real continuing need for more volunteers.
“I always welcome the opportunity to explain to others that there are so many options at the hospital that there is something to suit everyone.”
GEDI and RaSS nurse Annette who works with Lorelei said Lorelei and the other volunteers were an invaluable asset to the emergency department and the Bundaberg Hospital.
“Lorelei always arrives with a smile, which I know brightens my day, as I am sure it does with everyone, she spends time with,” Annette said.
“Experiencing a medical emergency is stressful, and Lorelei provides much needed support to patients and their loved ones.
“As an active member of the GEDI team, Lorelei spends her own time researching ways she can occupy and calm cognitively impaired patients while in the emergency department. “Lorelei also increases awareness of volunteering among community members, who happily provide supplies and time creating comfort items.
“The whole emergency department team and I, feel reassured when Lorelei is there, knowing she is providing a positive experience for patients.
“The experience clinical staff wish they had time to provide.
“Lorelei is one of many wonderful volunteers at Bundaberg Hospital, and each is a blessing.”
This positive sentiment is shared by acting clinical nurse consultant GEDI Samantha who said GEDI volunteers added quality and value to the patient experience in the emergency department simply by providing human contact, presence, and reassurance to those in need.
“Human contact reduces anxiety, fear, and the experience of pain,” Samantha said.
“The volunteers are a source of comfort and reassurance in what can sometimes be perceived as a scary or hostile environment.
“Lorelei and other volunteers are invaluable, they always brighten the day of patients and staff alike because they genuinely enjoy what they do, and this is demonstrated by their friendly and engaging manner as well as their huge smiles.”
