Emergency Department volunteers wanted as St James’s project expands

A volunteer service offering extra care and comfort to patients in Leeds’ Emergency Departments is expanding – and people in East Leeds are being encouraged to get involved.

The project, which began at St James’s University Hospital last year, has been providing support for patients and relatives in waiting areas, helping people find their way around the department and offering a listening ear to those who need someone to talk to.

The service is now being rolled out to Leeds General Infirmary, and the Voluntary Services Team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals is recruiting new members.

For St James’s, the expansion marks a significant milestone, with volunteers having already become a familiar presence in the busy Emergency Department.

Among them is Sabrina, who works as a cleaner at Leeds General Infirmary and has been volunteering at St James’s since November. She said she joined to “help people and help the staff where I can,” explaining that she enjoys supporting those who may be lost or anxious. She said: “I love volunteering here, it’s so simple how you can put a smile on someone’s face. You can make people happier, that’s what I enjoy. It’s a good experience – people should come and give it a try, I’m sure they’d love it.”

Aakash, a district nurse originally from India, volunteers alongside studying for a Masters in Public Health. His time in the department has offered both positive experience and professional development. He said: “I support patients, offer them drinks, if any assistance is needed by anyone I’m here to help. I really enjoy volunteering here and it’s helpful for me to get this experience. I’m working on my communication skills and learning new things.”

Nigel, who has volunteered with the Trust since 2021, now focuses on guiding and mentoring newcomers. He said the role can feel challenging at first, but described the team atmosphere as warm and supportive. “All the staff in the ED have been very welcoming and appreciative of the volunteer team,” he said. “There is little better than being able to guide worried relatives to the bedside of a loved one who had been brought in by ambulance. Equally, it’s really rewarding to help a patient find their way out as they are on their way home, having been made well again.”

Volunteers also encourage feedback from patients and visitors in order to help improve services across the departments.

Sarah Rogers, Improvement Lead, Volunteering, at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Volunteers are an integral part of what we’re doing in treating our patients with compassion and care. It really helps patients to feel there is someone there to listen to them, and help them kindly and calmly during what can be a difficult time.”

The Trust is encouraging anyone able to give time regularly to get in touch.