Learn about the support and services offered by our volunteers across the hospital, from guiding people where they need to go to delivering books and magazines to patients.
In 1959 a volunteer organisation was introduced at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH), which later became The Friends of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Volunteers assist in a variety settings around the hospital, including visiting each patient admitted from the Emergency Department to explain how we might assist and providing patient information packs for new arrivals, particularly those who have been unable to prepare properly for their hospital stay.
We also provide bedside visits for people who are alone, may need assistance or anyone who would just like a friendly ear and a chat.
Volunteer services offered
Volunteers attend the main entrances of TQEH from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Thursday, and 9:00 am to 12 noon on Friday.
Volunteers help to guide patients, visitors, and people with appointments to where they need to go, helping to ease the stress some people feel when visiting the hospital.
Volunteers provide patients with items they might need during their hospital stay and circulate to all wards regularly selling basic toiletries. Ward clerks can contact The Friends any weekday to request an item if patients are unable to arrange visitors to help them.
A library trolley also goes to the wards supplying books and magazines, colouring books, pencils, and puzzle books. All items are free of charge.
We also operate a tea and coffee trolley, visiting waiting areas and clinics each morning and afternoon.
A member of the TPI Association of South Australia visits all patients carrying a Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) card 1-2 times a week, helping where necessary and providing company during hospital stays.
The Friends of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Gift Shop is located next to the main entrance.
The gift shop has been recently upgraded and is a major source of fundraising for the hospital.
Staffed by volunteers, it sells a wide assortment of goods including stuffed toys, cards, fresh flower arrangements, handmade craft goods and hand-knitted baby wear.
We supply free items of clothing to patients who may need clean clothes either during their stay or when leaving hospital.
A free laundry service is also offered to patients with no visitors or who are from regional areas.
The sewing group makes items for departments in the hospital such as drainage or pump bags, items used for the purpose of calming such as fidget aprons or mats, and head scarves for the Oncology ward.
We offer a service to walk or sit with patients from certain wards. This is always done with at least one nurse in attendance.
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
The Friends of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital are always looking for new volunteers to join the team.
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