I currently volunteer at Ward 1 at Larkfield Unit, Inverclyde Royal Hospital.
My role in this job is to visit many of the elderly patients and talk to them about anything they like. This creates a distraction for them as they could be upset or worried or depressed about the situation they are in.
I also help out with meals whether it’s encouraging them to eat (as many patients lose their appetite while being in hospital) or helping them cut up their food. I thoroughly enjoy my role at Ward 1 as it is lovely being able to help a person that isn’t going through a good time in their lives.
Although some patients will not remember you, there are a few that will. As many patients don’t receive visitors, it is a pleasant surprise for them to find someone there to see them and it can really brighten up their day.
A sense of fulfilment comes from this role as, you can really see a difference in a patient from just a small conversation, they really take it to heart and are really grateful for your visit.
I am currently applying to study midwifery at university and hope that the skills/experience gained from volunteering will help support the selection process.
I would recommend the experience to others thinking about a career in NHS.