After an extensive assessment and 20 hours of training, Tobey Hospital’s volunteer program has been certified by a national organization, dedicated to ensuring those programs provide the best service possible.

On Thursday, Southcoast Health announced its program, which also operates at Charlton Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital, was certified by Points of Light as a Service Enterprise. Points of Light ensures that volunteer programs are used to successfully deliver services.

Research conducted by the TCC Group, a national program and evaluation firm, found that organizations operating as Service Enterprises outperform peer organizations on all aspects of organizational effectiveness and are more adaptable, sustainable and capable of scaling their work.

Tobey Hospital and Southcoast VNA completed the assessment, more than 20 hours of training and consulting, and internal planning and modifications to better integrate volunteers in day-to-day operations.

Southcoast Health officials said the certification means the organization is now better equipped to leverage the time and talent of volunteers.

National Volunteer Week is being celebrated this week, April 23 to April 29. In 2016, more than 500 volunteers at Southcoast Health donated in excess of 60,000 hours of their time. Dedicated volunteers provide service at gift shops, information desks, surgery centers, Level 2 nurseries, Pastoral Care and Emergency Departments. They also provide respite support for patients and families, serve as greeters and wayfinders.

To learn more about volunteering at Southcoast Health, www.visitsouthcoast.org. To become a Tobey Hospital volunteer, call 508-273-4102.