Peggy-Nan Rodger is preparing to step up as a ‘Give and Go’ volunteer at Glasgow Royal Infirmary for the third time…and she’s not even left school yet.
The volunteers at NHSGGC’s Give and Go service have been some of the pandemic’s unsung heroes, offering a delivery service in the main hospitals at times when visiting has had to be restricted. Friends and family simply drop off items for patients and can also collect their dirty laundry.
For 17-year-old Peggy-Nan, it’s her third time pulling on the distinctive red t-shirt and provide this life-line service.
She said: “I love being a Give and Go volunteer at the Royal; it’s been such a pleasure being part of this team and given me such personal satisfaction.”
Peggy-Nan was just 15 when she started volunteering in the hospital, not long after the first lockdown.
She said: “So many people have felt isolated during lockdown but I was lucky enough to be in the hospital, meeting really interesting people and helping to provide a service. It wasn’t just about delivering bags to patients, family members would ask us to pass on their love and best wishes too; it was lovely to be part of.
“In 2020 I worked up until August when it as time to go back to school and get back into my studies. When things got bad again around Christmas I started back volunteering again, either coming in after school or on a Saturday. I live really near the Royal so I could pop over at short notice.
“Now, after a few months off I am preparing to come back – as soon as my prelims are over! It’s honestly been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. The Royal is such a great hospital – it’s just Glasgow! I’ve enjoyed doing bit for the pandemic and it’s helped me grow as a person. It’s really sad that people can’t get in to see their loved ones but I hope our service has brought some comfort.
“I remember one elderly man. He came in almost every single day with bags of goodies for his wife – such dedication. Come Christmas I had three big sacks to carry up to the ward but was delighted to be part of their story.”
Dr Margaret McGuire, NHSGGC’s Director of Nursing said: “I cannot put into words just what an invaluable part the Give and Go service has played in our Covid response. Sadly for big chunks of the last two years many of our patients have not been able to have visitors and that has been incredibly difficult for all concerned.
“Not only is this lonely for patients but at the beginning it was difficult to for them to get essentials like fresh pyjamas, toiletries drinks etc, and then came the amazing response from our volunteers! We’ve had such positive feedback from patients and families about what a difference this has made for everyone. Well done and thank you.”
The Give and Go service runs at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, the Beatson, Inverclyde Royal Infirmary and the Royal Alexandra in Paisley and is just one example of the wonderful work our volunteers do. Anyone who is interested in helping should visit the volunteers section of our website for more information – www.nhsggc.org.uk/volunteering
Peggy-Nan is keen to encourage others to follow in her footsteps.
She said: “I love telling people about my volunteering at the hospital. You will get so much out of it. It’s the best team, doing the best work. What’s not to love about that?”
ENDS