Waldo County Healthcare Inc.
01/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/09/2025 08:14
Giving Back: 55 Years of Volunteer Service at MaineHealth Memorial Hospital
Contact: Carrie Burkett, 603-356-0660 / [email protected]
Or Tim Kershner, 603-356-0628 / timothy.kershner@mainehealth
North Conway, NH - For 55 years, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital's volunteer program has enriched patient care, offering vital support across departments. Susan Weiscopf, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital volunteer, exemplifies this spirit through her volunteer role at the hospital, where she splits her time between the gift shop and the Medical Surgical department. Dedicated volunteers like Weiscopf have a meaningful impact on healthcare and the patient experience.
"When people see the badge 'Volunteer,'" said Weiscopf, "They see you're giving back, and that makes me feel good."
Weiscopf volunteers once a week in the hospital's gift shop and twice a week in the inpatient unit, assisting patients who stay overnight. Her tasks include taking breakfast orders, delivering newspapers, and offering comfort by bringing items like ice or hot tea.
Reflecting on what inspired her to volunteer, Weiscopf shared, "My husband worked here in Environmental Services. I was home, retired, and he suggested I volunteer in the gift shop. He loved working here; he loved the people. I was hesitant because I've been a patient in a different hospital before, and I've never really liked hospitals."
Over time, Weiscopf found her perspective on hospitals transformed by her volunteer experiences. "When I came here, I realized this is a really nice hospital. Everyone is so nice," she said. One patient, in particular, left a lasting impression. "One patient had dementia and was so sweet, he reminded me so much of my father who had dementia. When I would go in, he would smile and give me a high five. He had such a good attitude. You could see the joy in his face. Things like that are really meaningful."
Weiscopf encourages others to consider volunteering. "I want people to know if they're thinking about volunteering at the hospital, they should just try it. There are so many different departments you can work in, and your time commitment can be really flexible. The volunteer team at Memorial are an awesome group of people."
The hospital's volunteer group has 46 volunteers serving across 12 service areas. These volunteers take on various roles, such as running The Sun Catcher Gift Shop, greeting patients at the main entrance, and assisting with patient comfort or clerical tasks.
Peter Waugh, who coordinates the volunteer program, works closely with individuals to find roles that align with their schedules and interests. "Some folks have a particular interest or skill," explains Waugh. "My goal is to find out what sparks the volunteer's interest and fit them with the right role. Everyone volunteers for their own reason. Some come with a medical background. Others are inspired to give back because they had a meaningful experience with their own care or that of a family member. Some are interested in working at Memorial and want to get a feel for the culture. It is a diverse group."
The volunteer program, established in 1969, has evolved over the years while maintaining its core mission: to support the hospital, serve the community, and provide comfort to patients.
For those interested in volunteering at Memorial Hospital, contact Peter Waugh at [email protected] or 603-356-0651.
Since starting her volunteer work, Weiscopf's contributions have been recognized with the Shining Star Award honoring her service. Her journey highlights the impact and fulfillment that volunteering can bring-both to the community and to the volunteers themselves.
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About MaineHealth Memorial Hospital
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed Critical Access hospital serving the Mount Washington Valley of northern New Hampshire and western Maine. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital has earned a reputation among local residents and visitors for providing quality, compassionate and personalized care to its patients.
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital includes a robust array of health care services including primary and specialty care services and therapies, emergency care, a birthing center and surgical services. Its care team of 525 includes physicians and advance practice providers who are among the more than 2,000 providers who are part of the MaineHealth Medical Group. Memorial patients have access to onsite care in oncology, cardiology, vascular and pulmonary medicine. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital also partners with several local organizations to provide outreach and educational services supporting the health of our patients and community.
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system whose vision is, "Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America." As part of the MaineHealth family, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is able to offer patients a comprehensive network of care that includes world-class specialists, a Level 1 Trauma medical center, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services.