For 20 years, Arthur Walters has spent two mornings a week donning his purple vest and a smile, as a Volunteer at The Wesley Hospital. Friday 18 February was his last day. Thank you for everything, Arthur.

When Arthur began his tenure as a Wesley volunteer as a fresh-faced 64-year-old, his first job was working in the hospital gift shop.

“Can you imagine me wrapping a parcel with a fancy bow?!,” Arthur recalls asking the Volunteer Manager at the time.

“They had a position available for a driver, so I spent the next eight years transporting patients around Brisbane.”

After retiring as a school teacher at St Laurence’s College, Arthur knew he wanted to give back to the hospital that had cared for his sister who passed away in 2001 from cancer.

From laughing with other volunteers while helping with directions at the information desk, and escorting patients, there are lots of little moments Arthur remembers, that were big moments to patients.

“Sometimes I’d take a family around to the children’s ward and the kids would be happily skipping along. But I do remember patients, that as soon as you neared the children’s ward they’d become upset, because they’d been in many times before. But the staff were so wonderful and caring.

“I learnt so much from patients during that time, about treatments like hyperbaric and chatting to people coming in from the country.

“I will miss it tremendously. What a wonderful hospital it is,” said Arthur.

“I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. I’m a bachelor living by myself and The Wesley Hospital has been a second home to me; with regards to wonderful Admissions staff, DOSA, Endo, Children’s Ward 3W, and all the lovely patients and staff that I’ve met; and Gary and the coffee shop staff - what wonderful people they are.”

Manager of Volunteer Services, Gary Pember, joined with The Wesley Executive, Sean Hubbard and Cheryl Clayton (pictured), in thanking Arthur for his service.

“We wish Arthur all the best as he moves into a retirement complex outside of Brisbane. His character and conversation will be greatly missed by all. Thank you for your commitment and care, Arthur.”