Vera Smith has been visiting patients at Singleton Hospital for 50 years

Her dedication to the hospital and the patients began while visiting her mother in the Dangar Wing. Riding a push bike she took afternoon tea in a shopping bag to her mother. This thoughtful deal deed grew to serving other patients as well.

Following this Vera joined the Pink Ladies. Washing and setting patients hair, to shopping for long term patients all undertaken by the volunteers.

Regulations have changed over time, but the interaction with patients is still important to Vera.

When Vera’s husband Maurie died over 40 years ago she found her voluntary work connected to the hospital gave her purpose again.

In the late 1970’s she worked as assistant to Betty Butler running the Occupational Therapy group at the hospital. Older people, with hands not as nimble as they used to be, were given therapy as well as meaning in their senior years.

Continuing her interest for the welfare of patients Vera has been a long time member of the Hospital Auxiliary.

As the president she guided the group in its fund raising to purchase items for patient care and comfort. For her untiring efforts she has been afforded life membership of the  Auxiliary.

Throughout Vera has continued to be a regular hospital visitor and seen many changes over the years including the addition of the West Wing to the hospital as well as the recent opening of the new extensions. 

The new two-level upgrade  is set to house increased renal dialysis services, community health, specialist clinics, pathology, and imaging services.

Vera says as the hospital has grown she has grown personally. She talks of the warm feelings she experiences and also the appreciation patients express to her.

Vera concludes by speaking of the special affinity she has with the older patients who talk about the old times and the privilege it has been for her to be a hospital visitor.

Ron Stokes