Patients in the aged care ward at St George Hospital are looking sharp for their visitors – thanks to a hairdresser volunteering in the ward.
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Hairdresser Ninette Manassa and her eldest daughter Natalie Khoury volunteer once a week at the hospital.
“We started first talking to the patients and that is what I wanted to do,” Ninette said. “And one day I talked with a patient who said I’d love a hair cut, and I said next time I will bring my scissors.”
For the past month, Ninette has been doing the rounds each week giving patients a free hair cut.
“It has been very rewarding. It brings a smile to their faces and makes them feel good, and that is what we are here for.”
The Monterey resident said she encouraged others to volunteer at the hospital in one way or another.
“I hope from this other people will come and volunteer,” she said. “It’s something very rewarding ... to bring smiles to these lovely people and give them a bit of company – it is priceless.”
Patient Eileen Harlow was treated to a cut and blow dry on Wednesday. “It’s lovely. It is hard when you are here to get out by yourself, so it is a good idea.”
Daughter Natalie said it was her New Year’s resolution to volunteer at the hospital and her mum joined her. She said they had been visiting patients in the ward since June.
Family friend John Bishara, from Hairhouse Warehouse in Miranda, has kindly donated all the hairdressing products for the visits.
- If you would like to volunteer at St George Hospital contact volunteer co-ordinator Michelle Davidson on (02) 9113 2859.
