Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow Volunteers made an immeasurable difference
17th November 2020
Submitted by Natalie Bonner, QEUH Glasgow Give & Go Team
When the pandemic hit, the motivation from volunteers came from the simple reaction to get out and help during unprecedented lockdown.
The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital volunteer team have helped ensure that we have been able to continue delivering person-centred care to patients throughout. They have made an immeasurable difference and from day one and became an integral part of the NHS in response to the pandemic.
In March 2020 the newly recruited teams first role was to welcome staff, patients and visitors and signpost appropriately while ensuring everyone entering both sites used hand sanitiser. They cleaned and delivered thousands of donations for patients. They went on to staff the Give and Go drop off points, which enabled friends and relatives to drop off essential personal items to patients during visiting restrictions. The volunteers come in 2-5 times per week and have delivered 7,000 parcels across the 2 hospital sites, clocking up 3,000 hours of volunteer time.
They have received many thank you cards:
“To all the volunteers who delivered my goodies. Thank you so much, my daughter and I really appreciate it. You make my day brighter, keep safe and well.”
“Thank you so much for bringing my IPAD to me. I am so grateful for all you do.”
We featured on BBC News Scotland and a Guard of Honour took place on Friday 27th July 2020 to celebrate the hard work and dedication of volunteers
They are truly the best team and I have enjoyed every single day managing them. They still continue to run the Give and Go service to support the wards who are still not allowing visitor access.
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