My story as an NHS COVID Volunteer & what the job entails.

Many people ask me about volunteering, so here is a repeat of my story, working as a COVID Volunteer at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital.

February 2020

It all began back around late February 2020 with the emergence of COVID19. As a freelancer to the Leisure, Health and Fitness industry, my diary was soon to become very empty.

For someone who has spent their entire career engaging with others and accustomed to a fast pace, I knew to have so much free time on my hands would quickly become a total misery. Not only did I need a daily purpose in life, this was clearly an opportunity to also help out within the local community during a crisis.

Within a few days, I decided to visit my local hospital (Chelsea & Westminster) and upon arriving at the hospital reception, I asked how I could become a volunteer. Introduced to the Volunteer Office, I briefly said hello, left my contact details and that was pretty much it. As luck would have it, they got in touch a week later and undertook a comprehensive vetting process. My thanks to Christian Brown (Head of Sales GLL) who very kindly took the call from the team and provided the verbal reference that helped progress my application. Having a foot in the door early on proved to be critical, as only a few weeks later, the Government raised a national campaign in the search of volunteers (I think over 750,000 people applied nationally, many of whom would be left disappointed due to the sheer demand).

In early March I officially reported for duty as a hospital volunteer.

What struck me in those first couple of weeks was the sheer size of the building. It seemed like there were hundreds of doors, lifts, entrances, exits and staircases. My navigation skills are remarkably awful at the best times, and here I was with a genuine fear of having absolutely no idea where I was!

My first few months consisted of being a Runner (no relation to my outdoor pursuit!) & with a determined stubborn refusal to use the lifts (painstakingly slow), I took to climbing the many stairs, delivering medication to all the hospital wards that our Pharmacy team had prepared earlier. I enjoyed this role as you got to visit pretty much every facility within the hospital. However, one of the main challenges in those early days was understanding how different wards varied in their COVID protocol. Some were 'clean' areas and fine to walk in, others required a level of PPE and others were simply out of bounds. Although always clearly identified, you were always on your guard double checking if it was safe to proceed. Aside from the pharmacy runs, my other main role at that time was to help deliver the unbelievable amount of food and drink donations to our incredible frontline staff. I spent countless hours in the kitchen chopping up strawberries, apples, oranges, melons, packing them into hundreds of containers that would fill 2 six foot trolleys, along with microwave meals, drinks and other snacks. I would then visit every staff room within the hospital (this did need a lift!) and leave meals out for colleagues. Just like the current lockdown, our frontline staff were simply too busy to leave the hospital, so these little treats are a lifeline to keep energy levels up. My thanks to all the restaurants, cafes and shops who made so many donations, and to this current day, many still do.

Summer had arrived and I was scheduled to make my debut supporting patients on our Nightingale Ward. I must confess to being rather daunted by this, as this particular ward primarily consisted with elderly patients who had dementia or had taken a stroke. I recall trying to engage in conversation was difficult, and trying to help serve their lunches was even tougher. I couldn't wait for my shift to finish. I was so far out of my comfort zone. Still, I put my name down again for the next day and soon like most new things, I quickly grew in confidence. On this ward, I spent time with some incredible patients. Stand out memories for me was a lady in her 80's with dementia. Unfortunately, as part of her illness, she was prone to being aggressive, both physically and verbally. However, she had taken a liking to me and on the instructions of the nurses, my job was simply to sit with her for my entire shift where she would stay relaxed and calm. Although very challenging for the nurses to deal with, I loved listening to her wonderful stories!

Throughout the last twelve months, visitors to the hospital have generally been a no-no due to COVID infection control, so the ability for patients to have someone to talk to has been priceless. Introducing some of our older patients for example to FaceTime or WhatsApp video calls to say hello to family and friends has been a huge success. Likewise, our Message For You service is very popular, where we print off and read messages that have been electronically submitted to the hospital (I was even asked to be the model dressed up as a patient for the promotion - I must have been looking dreadful at the time!).

When I wasn't on the ward, I would often be found at the main hospital reception entrance taking the temperature of every outpatient coming in for an appointment. During this period, I must have taken hundreds of temperatures with the overwhelming majority of Joe Public very willing to do so but it never ceased to amaze me the small minority of individuals who resisted or worse still, just barged past you regardless.

For the last six months, my time has been split supporting patients on the Edgar Horne Ward (elective surgery) and working on the David Evans Ward (emergency surgery). I've seen patients with medical conditions ranging from the more routine types of surgery (appendix and hernia), right through to the extremes of colon removal, stage 4 cancer (with pretty much everything in between). The human ability to be resilient is incredible. So many of these patients are very ill, yet still possess a thirst for life, with an outlook that always remains positive. Every single shift, it's really inspiring to chat to these patients and hear their own personal story.?

Serving meals at lunch or dinner time is usually a busy period. In my current ward, as its emergency surgery, it is fast moving with patients coming in and out of theatre at all times of the day and night. Therefore it is vital to check with the nurse in charge whether a patient can eat and drink (quite often, a patient will be NBM - nil by mouth). Many patients will be fast asleep, whilst others will require support to help eat their meal. Despite the longstanding jokes about hospital food, I can honestly say the quality of meals are not bad at all (I would give them a solid 7/10!). If you are ever unfortunate enough to be in hospital, I would strongly recommend the Roast Beef or Salmon Provencal with Lemon Sponge and Custard! Oh and I make what feels like at least 100 teas and coffees a day too...

Arguably the most satisfying part of supporting on a ward, is simply meeting people from all walks of life. Due to the location of the hospital (Chelsea), many of the patients are from desirable areas (Kensington, Holland Park) and have enjoyed colourful lives. I could probably write a book on everyone I have met but suffice to say, over the last 12 months, I have had the privilege of meeting hundreds of fabulous people.?

Some final reflections from across the last year.

Led by CEO (Lesley Watts) and supported by so many hard working colleagues, I am tremendously fortunate to be working in a magnificent hospital that is held in such high regard. Even in the darkest of COVID moments, I have always felt completely safe (so much so, I feel much safer on the wards than I ever did sat on a London Bus or Tube). I must also pay tribute to Lesley, as despite what I imagine must be a fairly brutal workload, on the odd occasion I bump into her, without fail, she will always stop, say hello and ask how you are doing. Small touches go a long way. Many leaders I have worked for previously could take a leaf out of Lesley's book.

Of course, none of this would be possible without a magnificent Volunteering Team that we all report into on a daily basis. My colleagues Joe, Daniella and Federica have not only shown tremendous support, they are genuinely great people that quite simply, make you want to come back the following day. I'm sure I can speak on behalf of every other volunteer, when I say if working conditions were not as enjoyable, the number of volunteers on the books would be significantly lower.

A special shout out to Nina (long standing volunteer). Nina took me under her wing from day one as a 'buddy' and has been fantastic. The hours that she puts in every single week and her generosity to all those around her is really appreciated. Thanks Nina, we would all be lost without your kindness.

Testament to the Volunteering Team is the quality of the volunteers. We have a pool of talent that consists of all age ranges. Some come and go, then return when work / university allows, others like myself are part of the fixtures and fittings. In particular, some of the young talent (16-25) is simply mind blowing, with one or two also starting out on their medical journey. It's a pleasure to be part of such a genuine group of decent people.

It goes without saying that all NHS staff (clinical and non clinical) make a real contribution towards the smooth running of the hospital, however in my personal opinion, the work (care) provided by Nurses and Health Care Assistants is staggering. It's no secret that these talented, hardworking individuals are 'over worked and under paid' but let's hope Boris and his cabinet do the right thing and generously rewards their efforts after such a gruelling and unprecedented year. All the colleagues I have come across have been exceptional but I must say thank you to the staff on the following wards, where I have spent the majority of my time and who made me feel very welcome - Nightingale, Rainsford Mowlem, Edgar Horne and David Evans. Superheroes!

Should you ever get the opportunity to become a volunteer, do grab it with both hands. Not only will you learn new skills, you will undoubtedly become a better person for doing it.

Fast approaching 1,000 hours of voluntary work, let's see what's in store for the rest of 2021.

Stay safe and thanks for reading.

Jim

Jim Semple

07847 279541 / [email protected]

Rachel Williams Kyle Lewis Malcolm Mcphail FCIMSPA

Robert Hawthorne Lancaster City Council Orangetheory Fitness Southwark Council Caddi Club British Army

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