Keen musician delights hospital patients

GIVING BACK: (from left) Toko Kukutai and Doug Cook volunteer their time to help others at Tauranga Hospital. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A Tauranga man who has been playing guitar for more than 50 years is helping lift the spirits of hospital patients with free performances.

Doug Cook, who started playing the guitar aged 15, is the wandering minstrel currently delighting Tauranga Hospital patients and visitors.

Mr Cook said volunteering was a way of saying thank you and giving back to the hospital and its staff who had given him such fantastic care.

The 65-year-old was paid to play in retirement villages and at rest-homes in the area but volunteered his time freely to Tauranga Hospital. He was encouraging others to do the same.

"I have had a few health issues so I've spent a bit of time in here and everyone has always been so wonderful. It's lovely to be able to give a little back."

Doug plays a lot of 1950s and 1960s classics as well as country music, with artists including Elvis and Jim Reeves. He spends around two hours each week visiting the wards providing entertainment. The reaction has been hugely positive.

"The nurses on the Health in Ageing (HIA) Ward had the patients up jigging around last week. And even when they can't physically do that it's great to see their toes tapping and the smiles on their faces. It's great therapy."

Volunteers form an important part of the day-to-day life of the hospital and there are over 50 who regularly give their time at Tauranga and Whakat?ne hospitals.

Another such volunteer is 72-year-old Papamoa resident Toko Kukutai. Toko, in his trademark black trilby, and his eight-year-old Pekinese dog, Candy, have become a familiar sight welcoming people at the Tauranga Hospital reception area.

"Candy is the attraction. I'm just the dressing," Mr Kukutai said, who also volunteered with the Papamoa Community Patrol.

"I saw the advert in the paper and thought rather than just sit around the house I would give it a go. I'm really glad I did. I would definitely encourage other people to volunteer."

Toko's duties include offering directions or general assistance, as well as martialling the 5 and 10-minute parking zones. His philosophy is a simple one.

"I leave my problems outside the door and try to be as happy as possible when I'm here."

Volunteer Coordinator Lesley Grant said more volunteers were being sought. She added that other musicians like Doug (but not necessarily guitarists) were amongst those being invited to give of their time.

"It's humbling but also exciting to have such a wonderful team of huge-hearted people to work with," says Lesley. "Volunteers are so valued by patients and staff because they do the little extras the busy staff want to do but are so busy they can't. Things like sitting down for a chat, reading the newspaper or helping with a phone call.

"Other volunteer roles being instigated are grannies and grandpas for the Children's Ward to sit with children while their parent or minder has a break.

"Hospital guides have just been introduced on the second floor to help patients find their way to the right clinic. The guides will be extended through the hospital in time to compliment the friendly welcoming faces of the new concierges in the main entrance."

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer contact: Lesley Grant on 07 579 8650.