There’s no doubt about it, volunteering does make a difference.
Tyrone Hospital recently recognized the individuals who participated in the hospital’s volunteer program at a luncheon held in recognition of National Volunteer Week.
“It is truly an honor to have volunteers as members of the Tyrone Hospital family,” said Walter S. Van Dyke, chief executive officer at Tyrone Hospital. “We are pleased to have members of the community involved in the hospital and helping us fulfill our healing mission.”
Volunteers at Tyrone Hospital provide services in a variety of hospital departments. Theresa Yanchetz, coordinator of volunteer services at Tyrone Hospital said the hospital has a program in place that recognizes volunteers based on established levels of hours of service. Yanchetz said this is a special year because the hospital is recognizing three volunteers who have achieved a high level of hours of service. In addition, the hospital has welcomed aboard three new volunteers.
“Whether they are established or new volunteers, each of these individuals brings something unique to Tyrone Hospital,” said Yanchetz. “They share their years of experience and professional talents with us, along with their caring hearts and warm smiles. Each one of them adds tremendous value and enhances service in the department where they volunteer.”
Volunteers recognized for a high level of hours of service are Frances Hunter, Physical Therapy volunteer who has given more than 9,000 hours, Sally Swiderski, Business Office volunteer who has given more than 3,000 hours, and Jack Swiderski, Operating Room volunteer who has given more than 3,000 hours.
Hunter said she has volunteered all of her life, while she was working as well as in retirement.
“I guess you could say I am a natural born volunteer,” she said. “I think I get more out of it than I put into it. It keeps me active and I enjoy being around people.”
“I retired from Tyrone Hospital in 1994,” said Sally Swiderski. “I really missed the people and the work, so I came back as a volunteer. It has been a very rewarding experience for me.”
Jack Swiderski became a volunteer after he retired.
“I look upon it as an opportunity to donate or share one’s skills, whatever they may be, to lighten the load of those in the workplace and perhaps, to brighten the day of someone less fortunate than ourselves,” he said.
New volunteers who have joined Tyrone Hospital were also recognized they are: Anna Mae Campbell, Main Desk volunteer; Connie Baker, Radiology volunteer; and Sandy Kimmel, Outpatient Surgery and Recovery Room volunteer.
“We are pleased to welcome our new volunteers. They stepped right into their volunteer assignments and quickly became part of the hospital family,” said Yanchetz. “They have also extended the volunteer program as some of them volunteer in departments that did not previously have a volunteer.”
Yanchetz said the volunteers provide a variety of services in the departments where they are assigned.
“When we have a new volunteer, we review the available volunteer openings with them and then cooperatively select an area that will be a good match. Some volunteers are on the front line greeting the public and answering the phones, some assist in clinical departments and interact with patients and families, others provide clerical support and assist with business related activities.”
Mr. Van Dyke said the hospital wants to recognize volunteers for all they do.
“Many of the hospital’s volunteers support other organizations in addition to the time they give to Tyrone Hospital,” he said. “We respect all of the time and energy volunteers devote to the community.”
Tyrone Hospital currently has openings for volunteers in both clinical areas and offices. To request an application or for more information contact Theresa Yanchetz at 684-1255 ext 539.
