Marlene and Mak Brack of Great Bend have been volunteering at St. Rose Health Center for more than four years, and they encourage others to sign up for a rewarding position at the facility.
Currently, about 40 people volunteer regularly to be the face of St. Rose. Twenty more are being recruited for greeting patients at information desks and escorting them to their destinations, as well as serving customers in the gift shop that will open around the first of June.
“A friend encouraged us to volunteer at St. Rose, just like we encourage others,” Marlene Brack said. “We retired from our business and were looking for something to help people.
“It is very rewarding,” she added. “It makes us feel good and we hope it helps the patients and St. Rose staff feel better too.”
Mak Brack noted that he and his wife volunteer because of their Christian faith.
“We are called to serve other people,” he commented. “We want to provide this ministry to others and share what Christ has given us.”
Immediate needs at St. Rose include volunteers to answer questions at the information desks and escort patients. One desk is located at the entrance and at least one other is available on the second floor, the home of the Specialty Clinic and one-day surgery suite.
The temporary main entrance is at the west side of the building next to the new parking lot; the permanent main entrance will open later on the southeast side.
“Our volunteers are available when you walk in the main door and in other areas,” said Nikki Adams, director of Volunteer & Associate Services for Hays Medical Center, which co-owns St. Rose with Centura Health. “We want to help people easily reach their destinations in the new facility – whether it is their doctor’s office, the surgery center, imaging or other service area.”
The gift shop’s name has been changed to The Gift Box. Details about its new look and new inventory will be announced soon.
“Some of our volunteers have worked at the shop for many years and could use a little help,” Adams said.
In addition, St. Rose’s monthly lab fairs will begin this fall and volunteers will be needed to greet and direct patients.
Adams is in Great Bend on a regular basis and recently met with local volunteers to discuss new opportunities.
She also encouraged the group to strongly consider forming a board of directors. Four volunteers are needed for the board.
“A formal board of directors would provide more structure and help volunteers plan activities and fundraisers,” Adams explained. “While the board might meet once a month in the beginning, the schedule would soon change to quarterly.
“It would not be a time-consuming position,” she added, noting HaysMed would offer resources to the board. “The local board would help with organizing and scheduling.”
Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering for any position is encouraged to call Carol Gotsche, 620-786-6163.
“If you call with questions, there is no obligation to volunteer,” Adams said. “And we will work with individuals to find time slots that fit their schedules.
“Our volunteers are the face of St. Rose,” Adams commented. “They offer a smile and friendly face to help ease the anxiety patients may have about a health concern. We have a great group of friendly faces here and there is no doubt in my mind they will continue to offer compassionate service to St. Rose patients and families.”
St. Rose specializes in primary care, prevention and wellness. Services include St. Rose Family Medicine & Urgent Care, Great Bend Internists, imaging, infusion clinic, WellnessWorks, one-day surgical procedures, Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice and a comprehensive Specialty Clinic. St. Rose is co-owned by Hays Medical Center and Centura Health.
