June 10, 2005

Lawrence and Slavin, center, with Pat Rowell, director of Volunteer Services, third from left, and the volunteer award winners

Saluting dedicated service: Volunteer Recognition Day

MGH employees, hospital leadership, trustees, families and friends gathered June 2 to pay tribute to a vital group of individuals who make countless contributions to the hospital community — MGH volunteers.

Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH; Edward Lawrence, chairman of the MGH Board of Trustees; and Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for MGH Patient Care Services and chief nurse, expressed gratitude on behalf of the hospital for all that volunteers give every day.

The impressive cadre of volunteers has devoted an astounding 182,483 hours of service to MGH patients, their families and visitors. "While the number of volunteer hours are incredible, what is even more extraordinary is that you all give more than just your time - you give your immeasurable compassion and your selfless dedication to making sure that each patient, each family member, each visitor is treated like a member of the MGH family," said Slavin. "Your daily contributions make a remarkable impact on this hospital, and we are grateful for everything that you do."

The celebration honored individual volunteers who have proved to be invaluable assets to the MGH community. Special awards included the Jessie Harding Award for Outstanding Volunteers — which was given to Charles McCarthy, who has contributed 1,150 hours of service since 2003. The Janet Ballantine Oncology Volunteer Award — established by the Ballantine family in honor of former patient Janet Ballantine — was presented to Lynn Duff for her outstanding efforts on behalf of the MGH Cancer Center. The Trustees Award — which recognizes MGH staff members who have demonstrated strong and supportive relationships with the volunteer program — was presented to both the operating rooms nurse liaisons and the PACU nursing staff.

Two special recognition awards were presented at the ceremony. The Cancer Center's infusion volunteers were recognized for their support and dedication to patients and staff during the transition to the Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care. And Garrick Richardson, of MGH Parking and Commuter Services and the gatekeeper at the Volunteer Parking Lot, was recognized for his exceptional care and attention to volunteers, especially during the snowy and icy winter days.

Service awards also were presented to Rose Buonopane, Ellen Connell, Nancy Hiller, Nicholas Krebs, Elaine Kwiecien, Lorraine Kushner, Joan Litchfield, Sandra Lanier, Jill Martuza, Dave Moccia, Duncan MacDonald, Nancy Magoon and Margaret Puszczewski.