Market stalls and ward visits are just some of things volunteers are doing to instil some Christmas spirit into hospitals and services across the district.

A volunteer who has been hard at work providing crafts and knits for Christmas is RNSH’s Norma.

Norma has been volunteering at RNSH for 15 years and said she began volunteering to help make a difference to the community and the hospital.

“I love volunteering because it helps other people and puts smiles on faces,” she said.

“I’ve been receiving treatment myself at RNSH and the staff have been so good to me.

“It makes me very happy that my knitting and crafting goes back to the hospital and helps other people.”

Norma said the friendships she has made volunteering is an added benefit to an already rewarding experience. 

“I’ve made so many friends since I’ve started volunteering, and all of them have been so supportive of me throughout my own health struggles,” she said.

I/Chief Executive Lee Gregory thanked volunteers across the district for another great year of support to the community.

“On behalf of everyone across the district, I’d like to thank all of our volunteers for another year of wonderful efforts,” he said.
“You all provide incredible support to our patients, their families and our staff through everything you do.

“From greeting our visitors on arrival, visiting wards, and spending time fundraising through shops and we stalls, our volunteers really are a shining light across the district.”

Members of the community who are interested in volunteering across the district in 2023, are encouraged to contact the numbers below:
• Ryde Hospital or RNSH: please email nslhd-volunteers@health.nsw.gov.au with your full name, phone number, email address and which hospital you would like to volunteer with, or call 02 9462 9936. 
• Hornsby Hospital: Call 02 9477 9459 or email: marie.perkins@health.nsw.gov.au
• Mona Vale Hospital: Call 02 9998 6300
• Macquarie Hospital: Call 02 9887 5966