Galesburg Cottage Hospital Celebrates Volunteer Week
(Galesburg, IL) – Galesburg Cottage Hospital will celebrate National Volunteer Week by hosting a breakfast for all volunteers at the Landmark Café and Creperie. Our volunteers inspire us by their example. They’ve donated thousands of hours to helping others. Galesburg Cottage Hospital wouldn’t be the same without their talents.
At Cottage, volunteers are utilized to assist patients and staff members throughout the hospital. “Our volunteer application will capture an individual’s areas of interest, which will help with placement,” explained Eileen Inness, director of volunteers at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. “Our volunteers add a personal touch with patients and family members, as well as provide service and support to hospital staff.”
Volunteers undertake a variety of tasks such as office work or folding towels and linens in the Emergency Department, to assisting with supplies in surgery, or help in way-finding for those who enter the facility. “You don’t have to have a specific talent. Jobs can include collating for mailings, inter department mail delivery, assisting patient family members awaiting their loved one in surgery, retail assistance in the hospital gift shop, assisting with patient tray menus and answering phones – something everyone can do. Some of our student volunteers have even gone on to pursue medical careers after sharing their time with us.”
Volunteers receive a personal satisfaction knowing they’ve done something for someone else in need. “They may have originally come in wanting the benefit of keeping busy after the loss of a loved one, but we see a transformation over time as they truly love helping others,” Inness said.
Roseann Saul has been a long-time volunteer at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. “I have worked at the information desk, assisted with mailings and bingo activities for seniors,” Saul said. “Volunteering gives me such a sense of accomplishment and I have met many wonderful individuals over the years who have enhanced my life.”
Volunteering can be personally satisfying, challenging and fun when one uses his or her skills, talents and free time to benefit others. It shifts the daily self-survival and interest focus to others who aren’t as fortunate. With the right perspective, one can’t give without also receiving back. For more information contact Eileen Inness, director of volunteers, at 309-345-4563.
About Galesburg Cottage Hospital
Celebrating 125 years of serving Western Illinois, Galesburg Cottage Hospital is a 173-bed facility that provides complete inpatient, outpatient and emergency care. Galesburg Cottage Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC), the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care as a Chest Pain Center, TJC Primary Stroke Center and its Emergency Department is approved for Pediatrics by the State of Illinois.