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HUTT HOSPITAL

Published Tuesday 16 Jun 2015

National volunteer week gives district health boards the opportunity to thank all volunteers for their work throughout the year. Lena Simmonds is one of around 60 volunteers who are vital to the running of the DHB meals on wheels service.

Meals on Wheels is a well-known service but many don’t know about the amazing work being carried out freely by local people, believes Fiona Doherty, Home Support Co-ordinator for Hutt Valley District Health Board.

“Our volunteers come out in horrendous weather. When we had sudden flooding in the valley earlier this year, I heard that one volunteer was standing up to her knees in water to get a meal to someone. We certainly don’t expect them to deliver in those conditions but they are socommitted.We appreciate them so much,” says Ms Doherty.

There are around 60 volunteers in the Hutt Valley who deliver meals for the DHB using their own vehicles, fuel and time. They come from all areas of the community. “We have mothers and sons, people who bring their children to help in with disabilities and their caregivers. One woman has been with us for over 30 years.”

Lena Simmonds from Wainuiomata begun volunteering with the service after she retired from her job as a teacher’s aide for Konini School four years ago.

“I’m a person who loves people interaction. By doing this I help people but also help myself to keep active and keep my brain engaged too,” says Ms Simmonds.

Ms Simmonds delivers meals in Wainuiomata and Naenae two mornings a week and provides back-up for other areas if needed. The people she visits are mostly elderly, some are ‘regulars’ and some are recovering from hospital treatment and only receiving the meals for a few weeks.

“We swap stories and get to know each other. Although I don’t have a lot of time to chat with the meals to deliver, even a small amount of contact makes a difference in people’s day to day lives.”

“Lena is amazing,” says Ms Doherty. “She will do a double run in other areas in the Hutt if I need her to. Like the other volunteers she in a day and people never let me down. I hold all of the volunteers in the highest regard and we couldn’t cope without them.”

For more information on this and other home support services contact Ms Doherty at Hutt Hospital on 04 570 9711 or visit http://www.familyservices.govt.nz/directory/viewprovider.htm?id=3064&back=searchprovideralphabetical.htm?letter=h&providerId
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