Volunteer Spotlight: Marlene Kuutan

Marlene Kuutan

In 2011, after a satisfying career as a high school teacher and guidance counsellor, Marlene was wondering how she would fill her free time. Her sister-in-law Debbie was volunteering at NYGH at the General site as part of the Information Desk team, and she suggested that this may be a fit for Marlene. Guess what? Debbie was right!

Marlene was interested in supporting her community hospital. NYGH is where her three children were born, and where her family has received optimum care for decades. The Information Desk role sounded like a great match. Marlene is organized, has an eye for detail, is patient, enjoys people, and as her teenage grandson Mirko says, “Nana never gets ruffled!”

“I really enjoyed volunteering at the Information Desk. I liked being part of a team of volunteers and supporting the patients. Every shift was interesting and unique. You never knew what the day would bring you. But I always knew I made a difference, that I was able to help patients and families arriving at the hospital,” says Marlene.

Marlene shared, “When volunteering resumed at NYGH, I thought instead of sitting at home and feeling anxious, I could come back and help the patients and staff.”

So, Marlene returned to volunteering and joined the Prostate Centre team at the Minor Surgical Procedure Centre located on Consumers Road. Marlene said, “I was very open to trying something new – if you don’t try you won’t know!”

In her new role, one of Marlene’s key tasks is making patient reminder calls. “Many patients are nervous or need directions. All patients are grateful for the courtesy reminder. I think the reminder calls show that at NYGH we care. I feel many patients have a better experience because some of their questions are answered before they arrive,” says Marlene.

Marlene, thank you for ensuring that people come first in everything you do!