Delivering Meals on Wheels: from left – Operational Services Officer Paulene Otto, Dietitian Sophie Gouveia, Operational Services Supervisor Tracey Green, Occupational Therapist Claudia Cutler, Senior OT Alyson Allpass, Allied Health Assistant Jackarra Hooper, Dietitian Kelsey Silburn, Physiotherapist Jacob McClarty, Allied Health Team Leader Sue Swanson, and Senior Social Worker Grace Hardy.
Central West Hospital and Health Service Allied Health staff have made their Fridays extra special, with nine staff members coming together to share a weekly Meals on Wheels shift.
With the invaluable help of the Longreach Hospital kitchen staff, as well as staff at the health service’s Glasson House, two Allied Health professionals take some time out of their busy schedules each week to load up their car with delicious meals for the community.
Allied Health Team Leader Sue Swanson said the Allied Health team really valued being a part of their community.
“It’s all about holistic care, and community services such as Meals on Wheels are key contributors to the wellbeing of patients and residents,” Ms Swanson said.
Senior Physiotherapist Laura Ewins said it was always nice to make someone’s day that little bit happier.
“I wanted to volunteer as it is always so rewarding for us to be able to help our community in non-clinical ways,’’ she said.
Senior Occupational Therapist Alyson Allpass said she volunteered because she loved the idea of her team giving back to the community.
“It aligns so closely with our Allied Health motto and why we do our jobs,” Ms Allpass said.
“My favourite part about Meals on Wheels is seeing people in their own homes and being able to have a quick chat with them while providing their meals.
“For some, we may be the only people they see all day.”
Occupational Therapist Claudia Cutler recently delivered meals with Ms Allpass and said they would leave each house with a smile.
“I jumped at the opportunity to contribute to our community in a practical way and found it immensely rewarding to be a small part of brightening someone’s day,” Ms Cutler said.
Central West General Manager Acute Health Services Karen McLellan said the health service assisted the Meals on Wheels organisation with the use of kitchen facilities at Longreach Hospital, as well as at Barcaldine, Winton, and Alpha multipurpose health services.
“Meals on Wheels is a volunteer-dependent organisation that delivers a vital service to our communities,’’ she said.
“We are happy to partner with them to ensure the delivery of regular and nutritious meals to our elderly and disabled residents who might otherwise not be able to provide adequately for themselves.
“I commend our kitchen, Allied Health and other staff at Longreach, Barcaldine, Winton, and Alpha who work to support the Meals on Wheels program. They are doing a great service for their communities.’’