Part of the crew- Berwick resident Barbara Batrouney said she has met many wonderful people while volunteering at Casey Hospital. 74287

By Lia Bichel
FOR more than a decade, Barbara Batrouney has helped put smiles on the faces of Casey Hospital patients and their families through her tireless work as a volunteer.
Mrs Batrouney, 80, began volunteering 11 years ago after retiring from a 25 year career as a medical clinic receptionist.
She donated her time and effort to Dandenong Hospital before she began volunteering at Casey Hospital in 2005.
Mrs Batrouney provided a weekly shopping service for patients and ran a popular patient barbecue before moving into other voluntary roles as part of the Monday Morning Crew.
She helps keep flowers fresh in the wards, organises activities for patients and is always willing to have a friendly chat.
“I also like to get out of the house and meet people. Otherwise I would be sitting at home. The staff and other volunteers at Casey Hospital are all fantastic,” Mrs Batrouney said.
“And I enjoy doing something good for the community. It’s very rewarding.”
Besides volunteering at Casey Hospital, Mrs Batrouney also lends her time to a nursing home, enjoys knitting and spends time with her seven children, 16 grand-children and 11 great-grandchildren.