PA Hospital Volunteer Joe Watts with his harmonica
PAH Volunteer Joe Watts is a familiar face around campus after twelve years of filling the hospital’s corridors with the sound of music, donating his time and talents to uplift countless patients, visitors and staff.
Brandishing one of two signature harmonicas and a welcoming smile, Joe is a regular on the PA musical roster and says it’s a shared love for music and people that keeps him coming back year after year.
“Playing the harmonica keeps me out of trouble and out of my wife’s hair,” he said.
“I’ve been through lots of surgeries and I know what’s going to happen, so I can relate to people who are coming in for different procedures or treatments and feeling stressed. I really enjoy talking to patients, and the amount I get out of it is just phenomenal."
At PAH’s National Volunteer Week celebrations, Joe accepted the Fundraising award on behalf of the PA Research Foundation, a cause close to his own heart after a long personal journey through the health system.
Inspired to give back, Joe donates his harmonica proceeds to the PA Research Foundation and has raised over $6,000 in 2023 to go towards vital research.
With a goal to break last year’s record, Joe has already raised over $3,000 as of May 2024 and looks forward to sharing his music with more people.
“I love being able to give from what I’ve got, and I enjoy it so much. People will often come up to me and say ‘that’s bloody beautiful,’ or ‘you’ve brought me to tears’ which is satisfying.”
This week, PAH celebrates the selfless contribution of all volunteers across the health service, who generously donate their time to bring a smile to the PAH community.