Meet a volunteer during National Volunteer Week

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) is recognising and thanking volunteers for important role they play in supporting the delivery of health services across the State.

One of the fantastic volunteers is Teresa, an Occupational Therapy clinic volunteer at Osborne Park Hospital (OPH).

Teresa has a love of giving back and thought volunteering was a great way to gain experience prior to graduating with a Curtin University Masters in Dietetics at the end of this year.

"I've been volunteering for a long time across a variety of places and just love it," she said.

"In my undergraduate studies, there is no practical component until the master's degree placements; I wanted to gain experience in a health setting, so this was a great opportunity." As an OT clinic volunteer, Teresa helps once a week with non‑clinical tasks which support clinicians and helps contribute to the patient's recovery.

"Most of the patients I help with are young adults; I chat with them, play games - being interested in nutrition and food - I help them with cooking as well," she said. "It's been great I get to connect with the patients and their loved ones, if I can make them smile and make their day a bit better, that's great, it's very rewarding.

"I also give the professionals some relief, I can see how valuable the help is. I recommend everyone volunteer no matter your age."

Although the volunteer work isn't directly related to her dietetics study, Teresa said the experience has helped greatly and the staff have been very gracious with their time, even meeting the dietician staff along the way.

"The rehabilitation team on Ward 7 at Osborne Park are fantastic. I always leave with a smile on my face, so I know my choice to have a career in health is definitely the right one," she said. "After volunteering I definitely wanted to apply for my work placement here."

After speaking with her course supervisor, Teresa said she was lucky enough to receive a 10-week dietetics placement across Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Hospitals starting in October.

"It's exciting, I can't wait," she said.

Thank you Teresa and all the volunteers for your contribution across NMHS.

If you are interested in volunteering with NMHS, visit: North Metropolitan Health Service - Volunteering for more information.