Volunteers at Maroondah Hospital in Ringwood upset over plans to downsize auxilary kiosk

VOLUNTEERS at a hospital auxiliary kiosk in Melbourne’s outer east are being forced to move to a space “wide enough for two trolley beds” due to planned upgrades.

Volunteers fear for the future of the Maroondah Hospital Kiosk in Ringwood. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

VOLUNTEERS at Maroondah Hospital’s Auxiliary kiosk are being forced to move to a space “wide enough for two trolley beds” due to planned upgrades.

A hospital volunteer, who asked not to be identified, said she was devastated the kiosk was being moved to a smaller area that would be two-thirds of the space they had now.

“The new spot is tiny and we won’t be able to fit a two-door fridge, a large sandwich fridge and other amenities that we regularly use now,” she said.

“The kiosk’s new spot is wide enough for trolley beds and this is completely unfair to more than 70 volunteers who dedicate their time to the hospital.”

“At the moment we are in a great location at the entrance of the hospital but in our new spot we’ll be tucked away towards the back somewhere.”

The volunteer said the relocation would cause volunteer numbers to decrease per shift.

“We currently have four volunteers working but we’ll now only be able to have two on as we won’t have as much room.”

“We had customers in tears when they found out about the relocation.”

The volunteer said the Maroondah Hospital Auxiliary raised more than $300,000 a year.

“We have operated for more than 40 years and play an integral role for hospital patients and visitors. We deserve to be treated with more respect.”

Eastern Health executive director of information, technology and corporate projects Zoltan Kokai said construction was due to start on the $10 million Maroondah breast cancer centre (Leader, April 23, 2016).

“Among the works being undertaken is a much needed refurbishment of the hospital’s front entrance where the auxiliary kiosk is currently located,” Mr Kokai said.

He said Eastern Health had worked with the kiosk auxiliary committee over several months to determine their requirements for a new location that would ensure the ongoing delivery of kiosk services to the hospital.

“The new location for the kiosk will feature a new and dedicated shop.

“While the shop area will be slightly smaller than its present location, it will provide the auxiliary with a fresh ... expanded area for tables and chairs to accommodate their customers.”

“In addition, the refurbished front entrance will allow the auxiliary to operate expanded stalls with the area also including purpose-built cabinetry.”