A team of volunteers which provides extra comfort, compassion and support to patients in Leeds’ Emergency Departments is seeking new members.
The enthusiastic volunteers offer drinks and refreshments to people who are waiting, help to guide patients and relatives around the buildings, and provide a listening ear for those who need to talk.
The team has been making a real difference to patients in the Emergency Department since the project started at St James’s University Hospital last year.
The Voluntary Services Team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals is now recruiting for more volunteers and is rolling the project out into Leeds General Infirmary too.
Sabrina works as a cleaner at Leeds General Infirmary and has also been volunteering in the Emergency Department at St James’s since last November.
She said: “I wanted to help people and help the staff where I can. I show people where to go and direct them if they’re lost. I bring them food and drinks.
“I love volunteering here, it’s so simple how you can put a smile on someone’s face. You can make people happier, that’s what I enjoy. It’s a good experience – people should come and give it a try, I’m sure they’d love it. I talk to different people every time I’m on shift – it’s very enjoyable.”
Aakash, a district nurse originally from India, is volunteering while also studying for a Masters in Public Health. He said: “I support patients, offer them drinks, if any assistance is needed by anyone I’m here to help. I really enjoy volunteering here and it’s helpful for me to get this experience. I’m working on my communication skills and learning new things.”
Nigel has been volunteering with the Trust since November 2021 and his main role currently is to induct and mentor new volunteers in the Emergency Department.
“Volunteering in the Emergency Department is very interesting, but it can be a bit daunting when you’re new – I’m here to help people find their feet,” he said. “All the staff in the ED have been very welcoming and appreciative of the volunteer team.
“When I’m not showing new volunteers around, my time is spent guiding patients and visitors, in, out and all around not just the Emergency Department but sometimes the entire site.
“There is little better than being able to guide worried relatives to the bedside of a loved one who had been brought in by ambulance. Equally, it’s really rewarding to help a patient find their way out as they are on their way home, having been made well again.”
Volunteers also encourage patients and visitors to give feedback on their experiences so that further improvements can be made.
Sarah Rogers, Improvement Lead, Volunteering, at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Volunteers are an integral part of what we’re doing in treating our patients with compassion and care.
“It really helps patients to feel there is someone there to listen to them, and help them kindly and calmly during what can be a difficult time.
“We are always working to increase the volunteer support within our hospitals and would love to hear from anyone who can give a little of their time regularly to volunteer with us.”
If you would be interested in volunteering with Leeds Teaching Hospitals, please email [email protected] or phone 0113 206 5888, or you can find out more about the opportunities available here: https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/patients/get-involved/volunteering/opportunities/