News

Read the original story by Derrick Krusche in the Border Mail.

Albury’s Mercy Health Palliative Care Centre has acknowledged Pam McFarland for 10 years’ service as a volunteer.

Ms McFarland did training with Mercy 50 years ago to be a general nurse and, upon retiring from running a childcare centre, wanted to give back.

She told The Border Mail she chose palliative care because of her nursing background.

“I’ve always been with people – young and old – sick and well,” she said.

Ms McFarland found she learned about herself through volunteering.

“I get more than I give,” she said.

“I walk out of here and think how blessed I am.”

But Ms McFarland said, at times, palliative care could be tough going.

“Sometimes it’s hard, but it only strengthens you as a person and a character,” she said. “It’s given me lots of insight into beyond living.”

Ms McFarland reserved special praise for the staff at Mercy. “They’re a brilliant mob of people here working,” she said.