Evaluation of a hospital volunteer program in rural Australia

A voluntary survey questionnaire that assessed experience with and perception of the volunteering program was mailed to 62 current and 9 former volunteers and 47 staff members of Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH). Sixty-one completed questionnaires were returned. The nature of hospital work attracted volunteers (57%) and most volunteers felt oriented to the hospital, supervised and supported. The volunteers enjoyed working with patients and felt they contributed to better services and staff and patient support. There was a need felt that more training and development, recognition, orientation and supervision would be beneficial. Overall, most volunteers rated their experience as good (60%) to excellent (25%). Staff rated the contribution from volunteers as good (41%) to excellent (47%). Volunteers identified several areas of improvement, including opportunities for further training and supervision. Volunteers play a crucial role within the health care system. There is tremendous scope for further development of the volunteer role and increasing opportunities for training and development, recognition and encouragement.