Patricia shares her NHS memories

Patricia talks about her volunteering for the NHS.

 

Describe what you do?

I take patients to their various appointment venues or help them to find their way to their appointments, . I also try to find wheel chairs when they are required . My other role is in ED where I give patients and relatives refreshments, clean beds, change laundry, and plenty of filing and anything else staff might ask me to do.

 

Why did you choose to volunteer?

I had worked as a radiographer/ mammographer all my working life so knew that when I retired I would miss the buzz of the medical environment so much.

 

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Meeting all the patients , talking to them and hopefully giving them a smiling friendly face to quell their anxiety.

 

What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about volunteering in health and care?

Give it a go - I haven’t met any volunteer yet who doesn’t enjoy the work.

 

Describe the NHS in one word?

Caring.