30 years a volunteer

By Bridget Brady
FRIENDSHIP is what keeps Southern Health volunteer Violet Mann coming back for more.
Mrs Mann, 82, has been recognised by Southern Health for her 30 years of service for giving up her time each Monday to volunteer at the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton. And the Cranbourne resident shows no signs of slowing down.
“It keeps me young,” Mrs Mann said.
“I just like the girls and everyone who works there. It’s about friendship for me.”
Mrs Mann started volunteering at Queen Victoria Medical Centre 32 years ago before it amalgamated with two other hospitals to become the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton. She organised the baby photos for newborns and their mothers.
Now, Mrs Mann gets the train from Cranbourne to Clayton each Monday and volunteers in the medical records section, which she has done for about 10 years. She also gives up her time for the Red Cross and Country Women’s Association (CWA).
“I think more people ought to volunteer rather than sit around the TV. If you’re still able to get out and about, do it.”
Mrs Mann said each year she contemplated not returning to volunteer, but always found herself back each Monday.
Mrs Mann said she had seen dramatic changes in the medical profession during her three decades volunteering.
“Mothers used to stay in hospital for up to a fortnight when they had babies. Now they are in and out in no time.”
Respecting individuals was the most important principle to have when volunteering in the medical field, Mrs Mann said.
“You meet a lot of different people with different values. I don’t interfere … each to their own as far as I’m concerned.”
Laraine Arnold is one of the senior team leaders in medical records at Southern Health and said Mrs Mann was a pleasure to work with.
“She comes in and mixes with the staff so well. We are all so busy and she is happy to come and sit at her desk and get a load of work done,” Mrs Arnold said.
“I don’t know how we would do without her.
“She is a very busy person and so bright.”