AT THE Launceston General Hospital, volunteers are essential to keep the place ticking.
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They greet and escort patients and family members, keep them company while they wait, distribute magazines and refreshments, take scripts to the pharmacy, stock linen cupboards, and deliver specimens and blood samples to the pathology department.
Now, the LGH is asking more volunteers to come forward as they introduce new services at the specialist clinics and intensive care unit.
Patient advice and liaison co-ordinator Janine Bennett said volunteers would offer a meet and greet-type service in both areas.
``The community are probably well aware of our waiting times to see a doctor in the specialist clinics,'' Ms Bennett said.
``So we hope a volunteer can process the patient or the person as they walk in, and what doctor they're seeing so they can guide them to the correct reception area.''
Ms Bennett said intensive care volunteers would take pressure off nurses who often had to greet and look after families as they arrived.
She said volunteers were expected to complete an induction course, and give at least one day a week, working from 9am to 4pm.
For more information, contact Heather Gilbert on 6348 7994.