Press Release
Launch of new Volunteer Service at Sligo General Hospital
18 March 2010

Sligo General Hospital has launched a new Volunteer Service to assist and support members of the public when visiting the hospital. The hospital is now looking for volunteers to take part in the pilot project and would welcome volunteers from all sections of the community aged 18 years and over (there is no upper age limit). Training and support will be provided to all volunteers.

The main role of the volunteer will be to provide a friendly welcome and reassuring first impression to all who enter the hospital and to assist and guide visitors and patients to the various wards, departments and clinics in the hospital. The Volunteer services will be provided in the main reception area, Out Patient Department and other areas as required.

Sheila Smith, General Manager at Sligo General Hospital welcomed the launch of the new Volunteer Service and said, "The roll out of the Volunteer Service is a way for the hospital to encompass community involvement in ensuring all patients receiving treatment in Sligo General Hospital receive their care in an integrated manner. It will also help to make the experience whilst in the hospital as pleasant as possible in what can be a worrying, overpowering experience for some members of the public and patients".

If you are interested in finding out more about the Volunteer Service, please contact the Accreditation/Quality Department at Sligo General Hospital on 071 917 1111, ext. 2609.

This initiative is supported by the Friends of Sligo General Hospital.


At the launch of the new Volunteer Service at Sligo General Hospital, from left: Ken Lillis, HSE Consumer Affairs Area Officer; Grainne McCann, HR Manager, Sligo General Hospital; Domhnall McLoughlin, Assistant General Manager, Sligo General Hospital; Karen Reynolds, Accreditation/Quality Co-ordinator, Sligo General Hospital; Stephen McMahon, Chairman Irish Patients Association; and AnnMarie Loftus, Director of Nursing, Sligo General Hospital.



For further information please contact:
Aoife Morrissy, HSE West Communications, Tel: 091 77 5474