A former NHSGGC employee has swapped her uniform for a red volunteer’s t-shirt – and now she’s encouraging others to do the same.
Sandra O’Neil spent 30 years in the operating theatres at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and when she retired, she felt she couldn’t leave her old world behind. She signed up to be a volunteer at New Stobhill Hospital and hasn’t looked back.
Based at the main entrance, Sandra and her volunteer colleagues provide a warm welcome to visitors and ensure they know where they are going on arrival. It may seem like a small gesture, but it keeps the hospital ticking and is appreciated by patients and staff alike.
“I enjoy meeting people”, said Sandra. “I’ve also had operations in the past and I wanted to give something back.”
“They [the visitors] are nice. They always say, “Thank you very much,” or when they come back from the clinic, they’ll say “, Thank you for your help.” It’s nice.”
“It’s obviously different to the role that I had [before retirement], but it’s interesting to meet people again. You just feel part of the team.”
These roles have a hugely positive impact on patients, staff, and services, alongside the benefits for each volunteer.
“It gets you out of the house,” explained Sandra. “I’m retired now, so it gets me out of the house for a few hours, and I enjoy meeting new people. I’m sure anyone who joins the volunteer team would enjoy it too.”
Fiona Smith, AHP Director and NHSGGC’s Strategic Lead for Volunteering, said: “Volunteers like Sandra have an important role in supporting patients and staff here at New Stobhill Hospital. We are actively looking for people from all walks of life to volunteer and even just a few hours a week can have a huge impact.”
Becoming a volunteer is an opportunity for anyone within the community to give back and obtain new skills and experience. For more information about becoming a volunteer and to apply, visit https://www.nhsggc.scot/staff-recruitment/volunteering/.
For more NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde News, visit NHSGGC News – NHSGGC’.
