Weekly update, 8 November 2010

RCH Health Community Council (HCC) Survey

Thank you once again to the 38 volunteers who participated in the RCH Health Community Council (HCC) consultation groups which occurred recently. Your input was very much appreciated.

The HCC understands that there are approx 500 valuable Foundation volunteers and would like to offer all of you the opportunity to have your say. Below are the main themes which came from the groups for your consideration. You can participate by completing the short survey online: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/rchvolunteer or if there are other important issues you would like to draw the HCC’s attention to, please email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The survey and responses will be open until Friday 19th November.

Main themes raised to date:
• admission processes - generally working well and volunteers make significant contribution to this. Long walks not well regarded. Could be improved by having a list of patients being admitted on that day.
• way finding and signage - generally agreed that there is need for improvement. Specific places where signage is poor was mentioned
• cleanliness and maintenance - an area requiring improvement and examples were given by volunteers
• support for families - issues raised such as heating bottles, 'cloakroom' services, care for under threes, somewhere to buy essentials at reasonable cost
• communication: examples of where communication is good and areas for improvement in relation to communication between Foundation and volunteers, RCH staff and volunteers, families and volunteers
• ways to improve the volunteer experience: discussion and comments in relation to training, the need for more volunteers, clarification on roles
• positive perceptions - on being a volunteer and Foundation services, positive comments around induction, orientation, buddy system
• patient care - general perception that this is done well

Please note that all email and survey responses will be de-identified and not related back to individuals. Email responses will not be circulated and your personal details will remain confidential. We will provide the Karenlee Spillane (CEO) and Heather Rapkins (GM Hospital Services) RCHF overall feedback and results from this survey.

We look forward to hearing from you.

RCH Health Community Council

Coles Christmas Cards Supporting RCHF, 1 – 28 November 2010

Coles shoppers can share the Christmas spirit this festive season by supporting the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation through the Coles

Cares for Kids campaign. From November 1 to 28, Queensland-based Coles customers can buy their Christmas gift cards with the knowledge that all proceeds will be directed to the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation.

The limited edition gift cards will be available in packs of eight for $4 at all Coles Queensland registers and customers can also make a donation at Coles throughout November.

Volunteers Desperately Needed

The 2:45pm – 5:15pm Thursday Wonder Factory shift desperately needs volunteers. If you are able to swap to this shift can you please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 3636 3674 and speak with Sarah.

Expressions of Interest – Parents in Theatre

Parents in Theatre volunteer shifts run Monday – Friday from 7:45 am to 12:00pm and 12:45pm to 4:00pm. If you are interested in volunteering with this service please contact Theresia Murray on 3852 1199 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Volunteer Christmas Party

The details you've all been waiting for...
When:     Saturday, 27 November
               11:30am – 3:30pm
Where:    The Boo (Booroodabin Community & Recreation Club)
               126 Breakfast Creek Road, Newstead
RSVP:    This function is paid for by the Foundation, it is not a donation. Please only RSVP yes if you will definitely be attending. We pay for you even if you don’t show on the day. To RSVP please add your name to the list that is available where you sign- on for your shift. RSVP before 19 November.

There will be a shuttle bus available that will leave the RCH at 11:15am and will pick-up at The Boo at 3:30pm to return to the RCH. If you need a seat on the shuttle bus please add YES in the column on the RSVP list.

Meet Jack

To see Jack playing with his younger brother Luke, you’d never imagine he has a chronic, life-threatening disease.

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