The Volunteer Services Department exists to assist patients, staff and visitors by performing many supplementary tasks and services, either directly or indirectly, under staff supervision and training.
Background General Information
The Licking Memorial Hospital Volunteer Organization was originally founded in the spring of 1956 by 42 women representing 27 Licking County church and civic organizations. The Licking Memorial Hospital Volunteer Organization was approved by the Board of Trustees of Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH).
The volunteers maintain a loyal and dedicated group of individuals from the community who provide complimentary services to the patients and staff of the Hospital. The volunteers have elected officers and an appointed service-area chair who serve on the LMH Volunteer Executive Board. This Executive Board offers advice and makes decisions, which influence policies in support of the effective and efficient operation of the Volunteer Services Department.
The Volunteer Executive Board meets regularly on the second Monday of the month. No meetings are held in June, July and August. The Volunteer Board President may call special meetings for the transaction of business. The President shall determine the time and place of such special meetings. All Volunteer Executive Board meetings are open to the general membership in a non-voting capacity.
Scope of Services
The Volunteer Services Department has been established to enhance and provide quality care to our patients, their families and visitors. An adequate supply of capable, trained volunteers from the community is utilized in a variety of ways to provide services as requested by staff in order to meet their ever-changing needs.
Your Role as a Volunteer
Volunteers can provide warm, helpful, positive interactions with patients and families, which adds to their comfort and happiness. You help to personalize their hospital experience. Volunteers assist hospital staff throughout Licking Memorial Hospital.
Our Expectation of You
We ask that volunteers make a commitment to work approximately one shift per week for a minimum of six months. New volunteers are asked to complete two months of service before considering a second shift. If you would like additional shifts after your first two months, please let the Volunteer Office know.
We carefully consider the needs of the Hospital to make sure volunteers are scheduled at times they are needed. Staff, patients and families in the area where you work rely on you to meet your commitment.
All volunteers are required to attend an orientation before starting to volunteer. Orientations are held as needed and may be an individual orientation or with a group.
Chemotherapy Cap Donation Guidelines
The LMH Volunteer Department coordinates the donation of hand-knitted chemotherapy caps. LMH appreciates the time and effort that goes into each hand-knitted cap. However, to protect the health and well-being of our patients, the caps must meet the strict guidelines listed below in order to be accepted as a donation.
- Chemotherapy caps should be tightly woven and not see-through.
- The yarn must be new and in good condition.
- The yarn must be clean, fragrance-free and devoid of pet hair/dander and tobacco smoke.
- Cotton fibers are preferred. Avoid using any yarn that contains wool fibers, which can be harmful to the patients.
- The yarn should be thin and soft for increased comfort. Yarn that is intended to create baby products is a good choice because it is soft and lightweight.
- The yarn must be machine washable.
Chemotherapy caps that do not meet these guidelines will be discarded. For questions, or to schedule a donation, please contact the Volunteer Department at (740) 348-4044.