Hospice volunteer enjoys helping out

Lynne Rudman has become a familiar face on a Wednesday at the Gallagher Family Hospice. Lynne remembers back to her last year of high school when she was given the opportunity to do work experience at the hospital, alongside nurses in the oncology department. “I knew then that I wanted to help people,” says Lynne, who now works as a nurse at Waikato DHB.

With her warm smile and caring personality, it’s easy to see why she’s a valued member of our volunteering team. Lynne first started volunteering with Hospice Waikato in 2012 as a family support volunteer, offering support through a friendly phone call, or driving and social visiting, giving carers a break to go to an appointment or do the groceries. “My friend suggested I should become a volunteer so I did”.

Today, Lynne is still a dedicated volunteer, but instead of spending a few hours a week with patients she has moved to behind the counter on reception at the Gallagher Family Hospice. “I’m a trained nurse, currently working at Waikato Hospital, so it fitted nicely with my skills and desire to care for sick people. What interested me about Hospice Waikato is that Hospice care is also offered to the entire family and I feel very privileged to be able to help care for families as well.”

Lynne says that it’s the small things that make a difference, such as walking relatives over to the Inpatient Unit if they have come to visit their loved one, or answering the phone and assisting with patient enquiries. Manager of Volunteer Services, Karen Mansfield, says “Lynne is very much a valued member of our team who helps to support us all. Lynne’s bright bubbly personality is exactly what we need! We really look forward to seeing her on a Wednesday.” Hospice Waikato relies heavily on volunteers who regularly donate their time and efforts.