Emergency Department Volunteers: Do You Have What It Takes?

The Voluntary Services team at Blackpool Victoria Hospital have put out a plea for more volunteers to come forward to work in the challenging, but rewarding, environment of the Trust’s emergency department.

There are hundreds of volunteers working in a variety of roles across the Trust, but the numbers wanting to support in the Emergency Department have fallen to an all-time low.

Now one of the stalwart ED volunteers, Lynda Howarth, who has been volunteering in the department for seven years, has revealed a little of what it takes to support the Emergency Department.

“Working as a volunteer on the Emergency Department can’t have one description statement. Its hard work but rewarding, fast paced and exhilarating,” Lynda said.

“There may just be two of you working your shift, but you are still part of a big team. Patients are obviously glad of the medical treatment they’re getting, but when we offer a drink and some food, they get a extra lift. It is much needed, and they are very grateful, even having a chat with the patients can brighten a hard time.”

Explaining what might be expected of anyone working as an Emergency Department volunteer, Enfys Johnson, ED Volunteer Staff Lead said: “There’s lots of availability on the team, you can give out refreshments in the emergency department and the emergency department waiting room.

“ED volunteers are one of our most valued members of the team, they are always a friendly face and someone you can rely on.

“Come and join our small ED volunteering team!”

Find out more about being an ED Volunteer and make an application here or if you want to find out more about the 30 different volunteers roles at the Trust please email bfwh.volunteers@nhs.net