More than medicine

Tameside Hospital is seeking compassionate volunteers to bring comfort through conversation

Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is calling on members of the local community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients by volunteering with the hospital’s dedicated Patient Experience Team.

The Trust is currently seeking compassionate, friendly, and committed individuals to join its team of volunteers, who play a vital role in enhancing the wellbeing and comfort of patients during their hospital stay. Volunteers will have the opportunity to provide companionship, engage in meaningful conversations, and support patients who may not have family or visitors.

“Patient experience is at the heart of what we do,” said Sue Rothwell, Assistant Chief Nurse at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care Foundation Trust. “Many of our patients spend time in hospital without the support of loved ones. A simple conversation or a helping hand from a volunteer can significantly improve their emotional well-being and even aid in their recovery.”

Volunteers will be involved in a variety of supportive roles, including:

• Offering companionship and engaging in friendly conversations to help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Assisting with simple tasks that enhance patient comfort, such as helping with meals or fetching personal items.
• Supporting patient experience by spending time with patients and providing distractions through talking, reading, listening to music, playing games and more.

This is a unique opportunity for individuals who want to give back to their community, gain valuable experience in a healthcare setting, or simply brighten someone’s day. Volunteers will receive full training and ongoing support from the Trust.

Whether people have a few hours a week or more time to spare, their presence could make a world of difference to someone in need.

Mike Ramsden began volunteering at Tameside Hospital after retiring from full-time employment.

Mike said: “I applied to join the volunteer department mainly to put something back into the NHS, as a thank you for all the support family members had received during very difficult times health-wise.

“For an older or retired person, or anybody looking to create structure in their lives, volunteering is an ideal way forward. The NHS is a fantastic family of caring people.”

In his volunteering work, Mike draws on his previous experience working in sales, which involved regularly meeting and talking to new people.

“For some patients and visitors, it may be the first time they have visited a hospital and they could find it very stressful walking into the unknown. I try to make the experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with the Patient Experience Team at Tameside Hospital can visit the volunteer recruitment drop-in session on Tuesday 3^rd June, 10am-12pm in Werneth House (opposite the Emergency Department).

This event will take place during the annual UK-wide Volunteers’ Week, which is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.

Find out more information about volunteering and how to apply on the trust's website. Or contact the voluntary services team by emailing voluntaryservices@tgh.nhs,uk or calling 0161 922 4618. 

Together, every patient can feel seen, heard, and cared for.