Nearly a year after Auxiliary members of Bates County Memorial Hospital were sent home for their safety at the onset of the pandemic, volunteers will return to “work”. As of Monday, March 8, volunteers will help man the information desk alongside screeners, greeting patients and visitors and assisting with the new registration process.
On March 4, volunteers gathered for a preliminary “back-to-work" meeting at the hospital. Greg Weaver, interim CEO, highlighted some of the hospital’s improvements and safety precautions and procedures that were necessary for the pandemic. Melinda Jackson, Human Resources Director and Auxiliary Coordinator, reviewed some of the changes the volunteers could expect, and recognized the Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year – Paula Shaffer.
“It’s so good to see their faces again,” noted an employee after passing Auxiliary members in the hallway as the group made their way to the hospital’s east lobby, where they were given a tour of what will soon be the new gift shop, now under construction. Completion of the gift shop is estimated for April, but an opening date is yet to be determined.
The current screening process for COVID-19 will continue at Bates County Memorial Hospital in which nurses assist patients and visitors at the front entrance.
