Two members of the Port Macquarie-Hastings branch of Heart Support Australia have been honoured for their exemplary and dedicated service to the heart patient support organisation.
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Life Membership was recently presented to Oliver (Boy) Vinson and Eric Elms at a special function attended by about 50 branch members.
President Robert Edwards paid tribute to both men, who have spent countless hours over the past decade encouraging heart patients at Port Macquarie Base Hospital along their road to recovery.
“Boy joined our branch in March 2007,” Mr Edwards said.
“He always gets involved in our activities, such as the monthly markets, walks and other outings. Boy, who is in his 90s, is an inspiration to all our members.
“Eric joined Heart Support in November 2008 and has, from day one, been involved in everything our branch does, even while he was recovering from double knee replacements,” Mr Edwards said.
“He is a regular at the hospital rehabilitation unit, helping out where he can and just being there to give others an incentive to get on with life.
“As he moves closer to 100 years of age, he certainly is a source of inspiration and encouragement for others.”
The Heart Support volunteers have a close working relationship with Port Macquarie Base Hospital. They have provided an extraordinary 7000 volunteer hours over the past seven years to heart patients in the Cardiac Unit, Rehabilitation and other units at the hospital.
We would not be able to do what we do without them.
- Jannie Denyer
They have also gifted to the hospital more than $55,000 in medical equipment and items that improve patient amenity.
Recently, their efforts were acknowledged when staff from Cardiology Services at Port Macquarie Base hosted a thank you morning tea.
Coronary Care Unit Clinical Nurse Specialist Kathy Boom, Cardiologist Dr Kristian Prados and Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator Jannie Denyer all paid tribute to the volunteers.
Ms Denyer also thanked the hospital for welcoming the volunteers as an integral part of the patient rehabilitation process.
“The support they give to Carolyn (Community Physiotherapist Carolyn Hamilton) and me is amazing,” Ms Denyer said.
“We would not be able to do what we do without them.”