Jean’s commitment to patients is second to none

Submitted by Lindsay Rutherford-Hoe, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Jean Hislop has been volunteering on ward 42 for almost three years. During this time Jean has shown her commitment to improving patient experience on the ward and putting the patient first. On her way to the ward she can regularly be seen ‘popping’ into the shop at Main Reception buying copies of the papers to give to the patients on the Ward, all bought at her own expense.

She travels a 45 mile round trip (although entitled to expenses, she rarely claims, a sign of her dedication to our patients and the Trust). She gives her time to chat to elderly patients on the ward to help pass the day, this provides comfort and cheer for those patients who do not have friends and family that are able to visit.

A retired nurse, she understands the pressures of a busy ward and quietly goes about supporting both staff and patients at every opportunity. Jean also provides support during mealtimes on the ward and encourages patients to eat and drink to support their recovery whilst in hospital.

Not only has Jean given her time to our patients she has also supported the developing volunteer service team. She has attended events to talk to anyone interested in her role, to both students and adults alike. On our behalf, she has also attended the annual Volunteers Week event organised by Catalyst, (a market stall event arranged to promote volunteering across Stockton Borough), where she has promoted the trust as a good place for volunteers.

Laura Welch (Ward 42 Matron), says: “Jean is a delightful, invaluable member of the team who is loved by the patients and comes in to volunteer whether it be rain, hail or shine!”

Jean demonstrates her commitment and dedication to the Trust, firstly due to the journey she travels to arrive to North Tees in all weathers, even during times of extreme weather, but also through the support she not only gives to the ward but also to the volunteer service team in recruiting new volunteers. Jean is always thinking about the patient and how she can improve their experience and a small gesture such as buying a newspaper for the ward can make a huge difference to a patient’s long day in hospital.

Jean is a humble volunteer who quietly gets on with the task in hand and would probably under normal circumstances shy away from the spotlight, however we feel Jean’s dedication and caring nature to improve patient experience and make a difference is something to be celebrated.