Volunteers Care
Support is on hand when you need it
You’ve received a call back to BreastScreen Ipswich Service and you are fearing the worst. Wondering what chemotherapy is like and how long you might have to endure it for and all of a sudden you’ve talked your way into a diagnosis. You are spiralling understandably and look up from your magazine for some support. You’ve got it in the Ipswich Hospital Foundation Volunteers. The support team is at the Ipswich Service every Thursday to lend a caring ear for patients who have been called back for second appointments.
Glenda and Lorraine of the IHF Volunteer team have been working with the service for over a year now.
“We love being here to support the women and the service, listening to their stories and help them through a moment in their life that sometimes isn’t so pleasant,” they said.
“Volunteering really is so satisfying and varied and it is a privilege to be with the women during this process – we’ve made a lot of friends!
BreastScreen Queensland – Ipswich Service Nurse Unit Manager Nicola Godfrey said Glenda and Lorraine were a wonderful addition to the BreastScreen team.
“Glenda and Lorraine provide invaluable support and assistance to the West Moreton women who attend an assessment clinic, from welcoming women, making cups of tea or coffee and chatting with anxious clients to pushing babies around in strollers.
“They are ambassadors for our BreastScreen service, promoting our service to friends, family, other volunteers and the wider West Moreton community. They also prepare health promotion materials for distribution to the community which is of huge assistance to our team.”
BreastScreen Queensland – Ipswich Service operates both a fixed Ipswich service site at the Community Health Plaza, Bell St and mobile van services to make appointments accessible to West Moreton women, including those living in rural and regional areas.
Ms Godfrey encouraged women to prioritise their health in 2019.
“Looking after your health is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones,” Ms Godfrey said.
“I encourage women over 40, particularly those aged 50 to 74 who are considered most at risk, to prioritise their health and have their routine, free screening mammogram every two years. No referral is required.
“A breast screen takes only 30 minutes.”
The mobile van will be at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre, 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway Fernvale, from 31 January to 26 February.
Appointment availability ranges from 6.45am – 5pm (Monday to Friday) and some Saturdays. To book phone 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au
