Hospital volunteers praised by NHS Trust
Invaluable group recognised during special week
AS NATIONAL volunteers’ week draws to a close, The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has paid tribute to those who provide invaluable support at its hospitals.
The Trust currently has around 240 volunteers working at both sites, in addition to volunteers from groups such as the League of Friends, Comfort Funds, Diabeticare and Hospital Radio, who also play an important role.
Volunteers are based on reception desks, on the wards and in the shops on site run by voluntary groups and work in a variety of roles.
For example, they may be assigned with helping visitors with directions and information or may be working on a ward, helping to provide support to mealtimes.
Bryan Child is a ‘patient buddy’ based in the main reception at Hillingdon Hospital.
His role is to help to direct patients and visitors patients at and provide information about the hospital’s services.
He accompanies people to whichever department they need to visit, providing company along the way.
Mr Child said: “I find the job very gratifying, as I am helping people who are unwell and may be worried about their hospital visit. Also, as I live on my own, it gives me contact with other people in a way that I hope is of service to them.”
Courtney Bradshaw is a 17-year-old student planning go to university.
She volunteers at Hillingdon Hospital once a week and her role is to provide general assistance, look after patients during
I find the job very gratifying, as I am helping people who are unwell”
to mealtimes and provide nurses with information for their daily records. In a typical day, Courtney will meet and help 12 patients, with many of them finding comfort in the company of having someone to talk to.
Ms Bradshaw said: “I’ve seen that hospitals are very busy places and it’s difficult for staff to spend time sitting and chatting with patients, so I really feel like I’m helping just by providing that support and some company to patients.”
For information about current volunteering opportunities, visit https://www.thh.nhs.uk/ jobs/voluntary.php.