Volunteers sought to help hospital patients

Volunteers with "a caring heart" are being sought to help hospital patients and their friends and family.

Shannon Corbally, deputy head of patient experience at Health and Care Jersey, said the volunteers would help welcome people to the hospital, guide them to the correct departments and talk to patients and visitors.

She said no previous medical experience was needed and volunteers would be trained and given ongoing support.

"Volunteers will not only make a difference in the lives of others but also gain personal growth, new skills and make meaningful connections," she added.

Corbally said some inpatients did not have family or friends who could regularly visit.

"So having the time with volunteers, who would be able to have that kind of time to spend with someone, to give reassurance, sitting with them, talk about life, it's what really matters to the patient," she said.

"We want their experience to be the best experience possible we can give."

Corbally added: "No previous medical experience is required, just a caring heart and commitment to make a difference."

Details of the volunteer scheme can be found on the Government of Jersey website.

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