After nearly nine years of dedicated service supporting patients, whānau and hospital staff in the emergency department at Hutt Hospital, Hato Hone St John is marking the transition of its ED volunteer service to Wellington Hospitals Foundation (WHF).
The transition has been carefully planned and agreed by both organisations to ensure the service continues sustainably and without interruption, with volunteers remaining at the heart of patient and whānau support in the ED.
Since the programme began, Hato Hone St John FED (friends of the emergency department) volunteers have been a familiar and reassuring presence for thousands of people during some of their most difficult moments, offering practical support, comfort and a calm oasis in a busy clinical environment.
Jacci Tatnell, Hato Hone St John National Manager – Community Education says the organisation is pleased with the success of the FED volunteer service.
“Since 2007 Hato Hone St John FED volunteers have compassionately supported people in the Hutt Hospital emergency department. This service reflects the very best of volunteering - community members showing up for others when it matters most. We’re incredibly proud of the legacy built by generations of volunteers.”
The transition ensures the service continues seamlessly, with volunteers remaining at the heart of patient and whānau support in the ED. A key part of that continuity is the transfer of the existing volunteers alongside Annette Wilkinson, the long-time ED Volunteer Coordinator to WHF. Annette brings nine years of experience and institutional knowledge into the next chapter of the programme.
Wellington Hospitals Foundation Chief Executive Guy Ryan says the Foundation is privileged to carry the service forward.
“This isn’t about starting again; it’s about continuing something that already works incredibly well. Hato Hone St John has built an extraordinary legacy at Hutt Hospital, and we’re honoured to be trusted with the next chapter.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Hutt Hospital ED volunteers into a strong, well-established programme where they’ll continue to make a real difference. With 20 years of supporting our hospitals and a network of over 590 volunteers who generously gift their time and talents each year, including in Wellington’s emergency department, they are joining a programme with experience, structure and a strong focus on enhancing healthcare across our region.”
The transition was marked today with a small onsite acknowledgement at Hutt Hospital, recognising the contribution of Hato Hone St John volunteers.
The continuation of the service reflects shared values between the two organisations. “This role has always been about people – the volunteers and the patients they support. Seeing the service continue with the same care and values gives me real confidence for the future,” says Ms Tatnell.
Hato Hone St John and Wellington Hospitals Foundation will work closely during the transition to ensure volunteers are supported and the high standard of pastoral care and compassion in the emergency department remains unchanged.
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Along with the emergency ambulance service, Hato Hone St John operates a significant number of community health programmes and other activities which help build community resilience. They include Waka Ora Health Shuttles, ASB Caring Caller, St John Youth, and St John in Schools.
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Hato Hone St John also delivers event health services, medical alarm services, first aid training, and operates retail stores across the country.
Wellington Hospitals Foundation - 20 years of support for regional healthcare:
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WHF has 590+ active volunteers supporting our hospitals, patients and their whanau, contributing over 64,000 hours of service each year, offering warmth, guidance and reassurance to patients and visitors across Wellington Regional, Kenepuru, Te Wao Nui Children’s Hospitals and now Hutt Hospital.
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A game changing Air Ambulance Flight Simulator, the first of its kind in Australia, helping emergency teams train for high pressure situations, and lifelike medical manikins and hi-fidelity simulators that allow hospital teams to practice complex procedures in a safe, controlled space.
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More than $3 million invested in neonatal intensive care equipment, including flight transport incubators, specialised cooling systems, and the first NICU milkbank in our region, ensuring our tiniest most fragile patients get the best care possible.
For further information please contact:
Hato Hone St John media team
Wellington Hospitals Foundation CEO Guy Ryan