Press Release

Volunteer drivers and greeters needed by Burgess

Burgess Health Center is seeking volunteers for two new services -- information desk greeters in the hospital’s beautiful new reception area and volunteer drives to transport patients to Burgess for tests, treatments and procedures.

Construction on the all-new reception area is expected to be completed by spring. The information desk host will be needed from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and then perhaps from 1 to 4 p.m. to direct persons coming into new hospital areas. The volunteer station will be located next to the gift shop which may enable the volunteer to help serve gift shop customers from the reception desk.

The new volunteer post is needed because traffic flow to new Burgess patient care areas and departments will be totally changed with the newly constructed areas, according to Jean Pekarek, director of patient experiences.

Last year Burgess created a new volunteer position for the surgical waiting room service which involves patient and family interaction. “I know our surgery hostess volunteers really feel they are making a difference,” says Pekarek. “We are hoping volunteers will be as busy with our new reception desk service as well. They will be saluted with our other volunteers as part of our volunteer recognition program.”

Pekarek also is seeking volunteer drivers living around Dunlap, Sloan, Moorhead, Soldier and Decatur areas as well as Onawa. The drivers must have a valid driver’s license, a safe driving record and insurance.

Volunteer drivers will be reimbursed for mileage at 48-and-a-half cents per mile, or may choose to donate their services. A driver’s time from patient pick up until delivery back home will also be logged for recognition as part of the Burgess volunteer recognition program.

Persons interested in the new volunteer posts at Burgess should contact Pekarek at 712-423-9201.