In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Interior Health recognized the efforts of its volunteers and programs, including the student volunteer program at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, which continues to provide opportunities through the Trail Hospital Auxiliary Society and J. Lloyd Crowe Secondary School.
“We were very excited to have the Trail Auxiliary and JL Crowe approach KBRH to restart the Student Volunteer Program that had existed prior to 2020. It is a great way to have youth in our community become aware of the different roles in health care that work together every day to provide a high quality and safe patient experience.“ — Andrea Dutchak, director of clinical operations, Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital
The program began in 2016 as the Interior Health youth program for Grade 11 and 12 students at the high school. Allana Ferro, president of the B.C. Association of Health Care Auxiliaries, was president of the Trail Hospital Auxiliary at the time. She said her goal was to support students interested in health care who needed volunteer hours for graduation.
“Having started as a Candy Striper myself in high school, I have always had a passion for health care and hoped to inspire these students to pursue similar careers. The program was extremely popular until it was paused in March 2020, and I am very excited to see it restart this year.” — Allana Ferro, president of the B.C. Association of Health Care Auxiliaries
The student volunteer program also provides exposure to careers in health care in acute care and long-term care at Poplar Ridge.
“Environmental Services, Pharmacy, Social Work, acute inpatient and long-term care are just some of the departments that have enjoyed students shadowing to learn more about their work. Most importantly, these student volunteers are spending time with patients and residents and are a highlight of their days!” — Andrea Dutchak, director of clinical operations, Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital
Currently, 23 students are involved, with intake occurring once per year.
Other volunteer opportunities are available through the Trail Hospital Auxiliary, which, while not part of the program offered through Interior Health, still provide exposure to health care. More information is available at https://www.facebook.com/KBRHospital/.
Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital serves the Kootenay Boundary health service area and provides core medical and surgical specialty services to patients throughout Trail and surrounding communities. The hospital offers services including core physician specialties, 24-hour emergency and trauma services, as well as laboratory, acute and obstetrical care, psychiatry and chemotherapy.
Poplar Ridge Pavilion is a long-term care home with 49 publicly funded beds owned and operated by Interior Health. More information is available at https://www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/poplar-ridge-pavilion.
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