Volunteer Ryan is aiming for a career in medicine

At just 17, Ryan Birkett may be one of our youngest and newest volunteers but he’s already on track to achieve his career aspirations to become a doctor.

Ryan volunteers in the Cardiac Centre at BVH, working on Ward 27 where he’s become a welcome sight to the ward’s patients as well as its colleagues.

As a ward helper, it’s a great opportunity to show empathy and kindness at a time when people need it most, gaining experience along the way. Ward helper duties include meeting and greeting people, interacting with patients and relatives and providing refreshments.

Ryan said “The patients are friendly and the staff are so helpful – they never make me feel like I’m just getting in the way – and I enjoy interacting and talking with the patients."

With family members including his Mum and Aunt also working at BTH, Ryan has the perfect role models to advise him on all aspects of life at the Trust.

Currently studying for A levels in biology, maths and chemistry, Ryan’s already looking forward to going to university and hopefully coming back to Blackpool as part of his undergraduate placements.

We wish Ryan all the best with his studies and who knows, he might come full circle and join us in the future as one of our new doctors.

Find out more about volunteering here: Volunteering :: Blackpool Teaching Hospitals