Joe’s ability to offer reassurance and keep calm will make him an excellent doctor
3rd November 2020
Submitted by: Sarah Brown, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GHNHSFT)
Joe Lake started volunteering with us in 2018 at the age of 17. In his spare time and in between studying for his A levels, Joe has provided consistent, professional and compassionate support for our patients and staff on one of our Care of the Elderly wards at our Gloucester site.
Having started his first year at university last year studying medicine, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe offered his services at the hospital and was back with us whilst simultaneously continuing his studies remotely.
One of the new roles we have introduced is a Patient Belongings Role. Given the hospital was not allowing any hospital visits this role enabled patients to receive belongings via this service. The role has made such a positive difference to patients and their loved ones. Joe has been at the centre of ensuring these personal items including photographs reach the patients and this helps them to feel less isolated.
Not only has Joe given up his time to help support this service he has trained several new volunteers, helped shape the role and adapt to local changes as they have evolved since its implementation.
What sets Joe out from all our other amazing volunteers is the fact that he has turned down the opportunity for paid work in a healthcare setting of a private hospital because he was told he would have to give up volunteering at our hospital to reduce the risk of the spread of the virus. Joe didn't want to give up his volunteering so he declined the post. That's the dedication he shows and it sets Joe apart.
Joe fills in gaps on this particular rota but also gaps in the rotas for our welcome desks. Whilst we still have very many volunteers that are temporarily stood down we know we can always rely on Joe to help us out when needed most.
We have had some fabulous feedback from staff, patients and visitors about Joe's attitude, his willingness to help, and his calm manner when dealing with anxious visitors. His ability to offer reassurance and keep calm will make him an excellent doctor in the future.
It is a pleasure to work with Joe and have him as part of our team. We’re proud he has started his career at GHNHSFT.