At Northern Health, every act of kindness, every warm greeting, every reassuring word, every moment of support, becomes part of a much larger story. It’s a story written by our volunteers, consumer representatives, auxiliaries, and spiritual care volunteers who, together, help shape a hospital that truly reflects the community it serves.
Their contributions don’t just support our services, they strengthen the connection between Northern Health and the people who walk through our doors.
“Our Consumer Representatives are the voice of our patients and families,” says Navneet Gill, Consumer Participation Coordinator. “Consumers sit on committees, share lived experiences, and help shape how care is delivered. Their insights have guided many projects such as the Emergency Department redevelopment.”
These representatives bring the community directly into decision‑making.
- Jane Spracklan, celebrating five years of volunteering, champions accessibility through the Disability Working Group, ensuring people living with disability experience a hospital that understands and responds to their needs.
- Alex, who joined in 2021, uses more than 30 years of IT expertise to support the Digital Investment Steering Committee. His guidance helps Northern Health make smart, community‑centred digital decisions.
- Karyn Findlay, a valued award recipient, contributes through the CLEAR Group, reviewing patient information to ensure it is clear, accessible, and culturally appropriate for the diverse communities we serve.
Together, they remind us that consumer partnership isn’t a process, it’s a relationship built on trust, empathy, and shared purpose.
Across all Northern Health sites, volunteers are often the first friendly face people see. They guide visitors, support staff, offer tea and coffee, make and distribute comfort items to patients, help behind the scenes with admin and restocking tasks and offer words of comfort to patients in moments that matter.
Our Spiritual Care Volunteers bring connection and calmness to patients who welcome a visit. “They listen, share quiet moments, and remind people that even in times of uncertainty, they are never alone,” says Natalia Dewiyani, Spiritual Care Coordinator.
Their presence reflects the deep compassion of our community.
Our hospital auxiliaries are another powerful example of community spirit in action.
“Our hospital auxiliaries give tirelessly,” says Henni Wade, Manager of Volunteer Services. “They collect donations, sort and sell stock, and turn community generosity into real impact. The funds they raise help purchase vital equipment, directly improving care for patients across Northern Health.”
Their work shows how small contributions, when shared, create meaningful change.
This week, we proudly celebrated 17 volunteers who received years‑of‑service awards, representing an extraordinary 170 years of combined volunteering at Northern Health.
Among them:
- Elizabeth Dossor – 20 years
- Annie Brooks – 20 years
- Angela Dolcetta – 30 years
To every volunteer, auxiliary member, spiritual care volunteer, and consumer representative, thank you. Your kindness, your time, and your commitment continue to shape Northern Health into a place where community is not just welcomed, but woven into every decision and every act of care.