Lisa Ellerton is the Echuca Regional Health volunteer co-ordinator after starting out as a volunteer. Photos: Jordan Townrow
Starting out as a volunteer at Echuca Regional Health after stepping away from full-time work, Lisa Ellerton has now moved into the role of volunteer co-ordinator.
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Seeking a career change after 30 years in human resources, Mrs Ellerton enrolled in a pathology collection course at Bendigo TAFE.
Looking to join the health service industry, she looked for a volunteer role that could give her some experience in the field.
“I thought as a career change, how can I get experience in the health service when I don’t have any experience?” Mrs Ellerton said.
“So I thought a good option would be become a volunteer.
“It was a really easy process... I got to meet the (former) volunteer co-ordinator, we went through an interview process, I did the necessary checks.”
Mrs Ellerton with volunteer Pam Fraser in the emergency department. Photo: Supplied.
Mrs Ellerton’s initial volunteer role began in January in the ERH Community Rehabilitation Program, speaking with consumers for feedback about their experiences.
She found that, overwhelmingly, their reviews were positive.
“It was just glowing,” Mrs Ellerton said.
“All the patients were saying what a wonderful service we have, and how good it’s been for them.
“It was just nice to hear their journey as well, because they’ve come out of a situation like a stroke or serious illness... to hear all their stories, it was really inspiring.”
When the part-time volunteer co-ordinator position became available, Mrs Ellerton thought it would be a great next step.
Drawing on her experience in human resources, recruitment, training and on-boarding, she felt that the volunteer co-ordinator role could bridge her previous skills with her new career path.
“I thought because I’m still trying to work my way into the health service without having a health service background.”
“(But) with my HR background, I was able to leverage off that,” she said.
With a background in HR, Mrs Ellerton has been able to transfer her existing skills into a health service environment.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
In the new role, Mrs Ellerton takes care of the 50 volunteers who help support ERH to run, doing the hospital rounds and speaking to managers about how the volunteers are going, as well as checking in with the volunteers themselves.
Being a part-time position covering the whole health service, there are many notes, emails and messages between Mrs Ellerton and the volunteer team.
“We’re all sort of cross-communicating, but also sharing that information,” she said.
“Some volunteers will be working in Glanville, or they’ll be working in rehab, they’ll be working at front desk.
“It’s important as a co-ordinator to make sure that everybody’s still engaged and still enjoying what they’re doing.
“I’ve got an open door, they can come to me and speak to me about anything they need.”
Mrs Ellerton directs an ERH visitor, one of the important roles volunteers take on.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
ERH relies on its volunteers to keep the busy health service running, supporting tens of thousands of people per year.
There are many opportunities for volunteers to get involved where they can, and all ages, genders and backgrounds are welcome.
The training and skills gained from volunteering in an environment like ERH, Mrs Ellerton believes, are invaluable.
“Although it’s an unpaid role, it could potentially become a paid role because you’re working towards your career,” she said.
“It helps on your resume, especially if you’re a young student.
“It’s a really good foot in the door.”
To learn more about the volunteer opportunities at Echuca Regional Health, contact volunteer co-ordinator Lisa Ellerton on 5485 5434 or volunteers@erh.org.au
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