"Hello, I'm the Emergency Department volunteer. How may I help you?"

Not exactly the words you expect to hear when walking into a busy ED, but that's the role of the new volunteer greeter position recently introduced at Headwaters Health Care Centre.

"Coming to the ED can be a difficult and confusing experience for some patients," says Lori Miller, the hospital's Director of Emergency, "and part of that anxiety can be from not understanding the process."

"I am passionate about the Emergency greeter role because I enjoy interacting with the patients to prepare them for their triage assessment. It is rewarding to know that both patients and staff have benefited from our services," said Marion Prior, one of the volunteer hospital greeters and emergency volunteer convener.

The response from patients has been overwhelmingly positive. "We've heard from our patients that the greeter makes them feel less anxious. The greeter plays an important role in our department," says Ms. Miller.

The volunteer greeter role is scheduled seven days a week in the day and evening. If you are interested in volunteering in the hospital's Emergency Department as a greeter, contact the Auxiliary Volunteer Co-ordinator at 519-941-2702 ext. 2268. Volunteers are interviewed and up-to-date immunization is required.

Wireless access available

Patients and visitors can now enjoy wireless access when they bring their laptop to Headwaters in Orangeville. "Thanks to a generous donation we have wireless access in the hospital," said Cindy Sabo, Vice President of Finance and Information at Headwaters.

Pediatric patients have access to computers in their room during their stay. The computers are loaded with Net Nanny content watch software.

To maintain the highest level of security, the wireless network available to the public is completely separate from the hospital computer network.

Patient transfer services

A reminder: 911 is for emergencies only. "Using the ambulance service for non-emergencies creates a risky situation when an emergency call comes in," says Tom Reid, Director- Dufferin County Ambulance Services.

Headwaters uses patient transfer services to transport non-emergency, stable patients for appointments or transfer to another hospital. Patients are asked to use private patient transfer services or have a family member or friend take them home or to appointments not related to their inpatient medical care. Patients requiring financial assistance can work with the hospital's discharge planner who can assist in arranging transportation.

Toiletry packs available

Headwaters is offering mom and baby toiletry packs, and patient toiletry packs for inpatients. "Sometimes patients arrive at the hospital unexpectedly or they forget to pack items. Patients must use scent-free products during their hospital stay for the health and wellness of other patients and staff that may have severe allergic reactions. The packs are $20 for the mom & baby pack which includes a pack of newborn diapers, and $5 for inpatient toiletry packs.

If you would like to share your comments and suggestions about hospital services, please contact Cholly Boland, Headwaters President and CEO, at 519-941-2702 ext. 2200.