‘It’s different, but

Meet the volunteers who help out at NHS

YOU may know the NHS employs 14,000 people to provide care in Tayside — but did you know it also has an army of volunteers?

The health service has 858 volunteers, including 369 in Dundee, ranging from 16-80 years old, who provide extra help to complement the work of medical staff.

About 160 helpers give up a few hours of their time in Ninewells Hospital each week, with 15-20 providing small, but vital, services every day.

They include Pat Mole, who began volunteering on the Ninewells Welcome Desk in 2008.

Pat, from the West End, worked in Dundee Royal Infirmary, Maryfield Hospital and latterly Ninewells before hanging up her uniform. But she liked it so much she came back.

As a Welcome Desk helper, she eases in tentative hospital visitors with a smile, and can show people where they need to go in what can be a very intimidating complex.

Pointing to the entrance that leads into the hospital, she told the Tele: “Coming through that door can be very overwhelming, with a lot of signs and very small print in front of you when you come in.

“It’s much easier for people if you have a friendly face to greet you, and show you where you’re meant to go.

“Reception can be very busy and the staff there can’t leave their seats, but we can. People do say ‘thank you’ — and you appreciate that.”

Some volunteers also help out on wards, keeping patients company and fetching them teas and coffees.