Seeking helping hands

Seeking hospital host volunteers for Dunedin Hospital are (from left) Southern District Health Board diagnostic and support services group manager Sonja Dillon, St John volunteer AzlynLind and St John area executive Pam Hall.

St John hopes to recruit about 20 volunteers to expand its programme, which is already operating in the emergency department and oncology outpatients' ward.

Volunteers, based in the hospital's foyer, greet patients and visitors, provide directions or escort people to their destination.

Ms Dillon said many patients were anxious about trips to hospital. It was hoped if help was available, the experience would be less stressful.

Volunteers would be rostered between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.