THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 24, 1996 TAG: 9604240011
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
Sentara Home Care and Hospice Services applauds its volunteers during the celebration of National Volunteer Week, April 21-27. The dedicated efforts of each volunteer enables our hospice program to provide quality service for those in our care. The generosity and compassion of the volunteers contribute an invaluable community service for which there is no substitute.
Our interdisciplinary, medically directed team consists of physicians, nurses, social workers, home-health aides, clergy and volunteers. Through the combined efforts of each team member, hospice care seeks to allow the patient to function as an alert, pain-free individual and to live with dignity during the stage of life.
Volunteers undergo intensive training prior to working with a patient or family, and although type of service provided may vary, often the most-important thing volunteers can do is just ``be there'' for patients to reassure them they are not alone; to hold a hand; to offer a smile; or to just listen. It is not easy work, but the rewards are infinite.
We are grateful to the volunteers of Sentara Home Care and Hospice Services for the wealth of time and compassion they give for the betterment of the hospice program, the patients and their families.
DEBORAH STEPHENS-WILLIAMS
Norfolk, April 19, 1996 by CNB