Hospital Auxiliary
The Whidbey General Hospital (WGH) Auxiliary is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated women and men to become members in any one of the three guilds on Whidbey Island that serve Whidbey General Hospital or as members at large of the Hospital Auxiliary. All people who volunteer at the hospital do so as members of the Auxiliary, either as a member of a Guild or as a member at large.
Guilds have been instrumental in the development of Whidbey General Hospital since 1957 when the idea of a hospital on Whidbey Island had just begun to take shape. When the hospital was dedicated in 1970, the guilds re-organized and the Auxiliary was formed. The Auxiliary and its guilds have since continued to play a vital role in healthcare and hospital services on Whidbey Island. At its annual Board meeting, the Auxiliary agrees to buy specific equipment items requested by the hospital with the monies it has raised through dues, gift shop sales, and special events. Many Auxiliary members belong to a guild that serves a specific area on Whidbey Island. Guild members meet once a month, pay $5.00 annual dues, and participate in fund-raising projects and/or as volunteers for the hospital. Each guild has it’s own social functions and money making projects. Listed below are the names of the guilds, their priority activities, and their geographic areas (although, members in any guild might live anywhere on Whidbey Island .
- Dr. Paul Bishop Guild: Coupeville area. May or may not volunteer at the Hospital. To raise funds , the Guild will host and serve at an "Elegant Tea" held at the Compass Rose B&B, with the proceeds being donated to the hospital.
- Caritas Guild: Clinton and Langley. All members are floor volunteers on Fridays at the hospital.
- Polly Harpole Guild: Oak Harbor and Coupeville area. Some members of this guild volunteer at the hospital and hold several fundraising events throughout the year. The guild as a whole sponsors card parties and an annual auction/dinner.
Members-at-large and guild members are equally welcome in the hospital, where volunteer opportunities include greeting people entering WGH and helping them to their destinations, working in the Gift Shop, and working in almost every department in the hospital, including the South Whidbey Community Clinic in Clinton and the Whidbey General North clinic in Oak Harbor. Music volunteers, chaplains, pet partners and a clown stand out; all volunteers' contributions make a difference. Volunteers collectively donate thousands of hours of their time and effort every year helping patients, staff and visitors because they find it rewarding. Recipients of their efforts and all those who work at WGH are grateful
If an individual wishes to volunteer at the hospital but not become a member of a guild he or she can become a Member-at-Large of the Auxiliary. All individuals interested in volunteering should call Sally Fox, Volunteer Coordinator, 678-7656 ext 3246 or 321-7656 ext 3246.
Gift Shop
You don't have to be a patient to visit the hospital Gift Shop. Open from 10am - 4pm. Monday through Friday and from 1- 4pm on Sunday, the Gift Shop features the work of local craftspersons and authors as well as a great variety of gift items, flowers, cards, stuffed animals, toys, and daily necessities. There's always something new.
Volunteers
Whidbey General Hospital is fortunate to have many dedicated individuals who donate their time, skills, and caring to support the work of hospital staff. Hospital volunteers make a difference by providing essential services to patients in countless ways. Whidbey General is currently looking to expand its volunteer staff, and there are many ways you can help! In general, our volunteer work falls into four categories:
Greeting Patients & Visitors
Volunteers are often the first members of the hospital team that patients and visitors meet. These volunteers greet people,answer questions, escort patients and visitors to their destinations, and bring beverages to patients, visitors and staff.