(October 9, 2012) Sellersville, PA – Approximately 200 volunteers and staff of Grand View Hospital celebrated at the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held at the Indian Valley Country Club on October 3. Over the last fiscal year (July 2011 to June 2012), the hospital had 556 adult volunteers and 67 teenagers in the VolunTeen program. Grand View’s manager of volunteer services Caroll Clymer told the crowd, “I’m glad to work with each and every one of you. Without you, we would not have the variety of traits, talents, skills, and caring attitude that make a dynamic volunteer program like we have at Grand View.” On average, volunteers work a three to four-hour shift, tailored to their availability, interests, and skills. Some work Monday through Friday, while others work select weekdays, or only on weekends. They work in many different areas. Some fill a customer service role direct with patients and visitors, such as giving golf cart rides from parking areas, greeting hospital visitors, working the information desk, or serving as emergency department liaisons. Others work behind-the-scenes, performing clerical tasks or helping in the children’s center. Another group provides patient support as unit assistants in the emergency department or radiology, or as baby cuddlers in the nursery. Some work with therapy dogs, provide hair care, deliver reading materials to patients, or provide spiritual support as lay chaplains or comfort as hospice volunteers. Additionally, Auxiliary members organize and hold a variety of fundraising events for hospital improvement projects and technology purchases.   In addressing the group, Sr. Vice President Jean Keeler, Esq. said, “Last year, volunteers donated 61,000 service hours, amounting to approximately $1.3 million in labor hours. Our current volunteers have donated approximately 490,000 hours - the equivalent of 233 employees over a one-year period.” She continued, “While your contributions free hospital staff to focus on other work that needs to be done, it’s only when I think about my own experience as a patient and family member that I realize the extent of your contributions.” She added, “You greet us at the front door, navigate us through the hallways, and tell us it’s going to be ok when we’re most vulnerable. You do all kinds of thoughtful and amazing things, touching patients and their families. It’s extraordinary what you give to others.” At the luncheon, volunteer Eileen Landes was presented with the 2012 Maybelle Peters Award - the most prestigious a Grand View volunteer can receive. Cardiologist Mitchell Greenspan, MD, sponsors the award in memory of Maybelle Peters, the late wife of deceased Grand View physician Michael Peters, MD. Eileen said she became a Grand View volunteer after working at Hatfield Meats for 45 years. “Sitting in a rocking chair in retirement wasn’t for me. I receive so much joy in volunteering and in the friends I’m making here.” Grand View’s Director of Human Resources, Debbie Shanta, said, “For Eileen, this should be called the ‘Never Say No Award.’ There is nothing she won’t help us with, whether it’s a one-time assignment or a long term project.”

Retiring volunteer Linda Gross; manager of volunteer services Caroll Clymer; and Eileen Landes, recipient of the Maybelle Peters Award. Approximately 200 volunteers and staff gathered to celebrate at the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held at the Indian Valley Country Club. Retiring volunteer Pat Keitsock received a special award.

Two other long-time volunteers, Linda Gross and Pat Keitsock, who will retire from volunteering this year, were recognized. Pat Keitsock completed 19 years of volunteer service following 34 years as a Grand View employee. Linda Gross accumulated 900 hours of service over 14 years in chaplaincy support. She reflected on her experiences, “Because of this work, I feel like I’m the one who received the special blessing.”

Caroll Clymer expressed her heartfelt thanks to all of Grand View’s volunteers, “You are all part of a puzzle and it takes each one of you to make the whole Grand View picture.” Guest speaker Mary DeHaven, marketing and public relations director, provided an overview of the hospital’s Centennial celebration. She demonstrated a special anniversary website www.gvh100.org where a video tracing the hospital’s century of care from early beginnings to today can viewed. The website also includes:

• Profiles of key people in Grand View’s history
• Stories about the Auxiliary and School of Nursing
• Recognition of employees, volunteers, and physicians
• A place where anyone can share their own Grand View story
• News on upcoming events
• The Annual Report
• And much more

The public is invited to check the Centennial website regularly for updates and events.

About Grand View Hospital
Grand View Hospital, Bucks County’s first hospital, has provided residents of Bucks and Montgomery Counties with comprehensive health care services since 1913. Grand View has become known as a quality provider of heart and vascular care, women’s and children’s health, surgery, orthopaedics, and cancer care. Grand View also has four state-of-the-art outpatient centers offering health and diagnostic care. Visit www.gvh.org for more information about the hospital, its programs, and services.