For the past 15 years, every second Friday, Gay Menzel has generously donated her time to volunteering at Frankston Hospital’s Emergency Department.
As an Assistance and Care in Emergency (ACE) volunteer, Gay works alongside patients and their families, providing invaluable support to alleviate stress amidst challenging circumstances.
“We aim to keep people happy; we take care of those in the waiting room. If they need someone to talk to, we’re here to chat and keep them calm,” says Gay.
“It’s my favorite part of the role, meeting all the different people, engaging, and interacting with everyone – listening to their stories.”
It’s this love for people that also drew Gay to the many consumer advisor roles she’s held over the years, including being part of the Palliative Care Quality Committee and the Women’s Consumer Advisory Group.
“In these roles, I help provide advice and often attend workshops to help oversee new frameworks and programs that may be implemented into the health service,” explains Gay.
“I just think that volunteering is wonderful; it gives people purpose, and there are so many different ways you can volunteer across Peninsula Health; there’s a role for everyone.”
Gay even tried her luck as a barista for the Pink Ladies during her early days of volunteering, but ultimately, the Emergency Department is where Gay found her fit.
“The Emergency Department can be a stressful environment, but I believe that motivates me to keep coming back, knowing I can make a difference by helping people through that stressful time,” reflects Gay.
Congratulations to Gay, who will be honored with her 15-Year Long Service Award, this National Volunteer Week.
Join us – find out more about how to become a volunteer or consumer advisor at Peninsula Health.