Our volunteers provide an array of important services, from designing new technology to inspiring the next generation of health-care workers. Whatever their role, all of our volunteers are working to enhance the quality of care for patients and their families. In honour of this year\u2019s National Volunteer Week, we\u2019re spotlighting some of our volunteers who have given us the invaluable gift of their time and dedication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve visited any hospital in the past two years, you may understand the stresses of keeping up with COVID-19 protocols. Throughout the pandemic, Anne-Marie Hartford has provided clarity to patients and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before the pandemic, Anne-Marie, a fifth-year biomedical science student with plans to attend medical school, volunteered in the Emergency Room at the Civic Campus on Sunday mornings. When COVID-19 made it unsafe for volunteers to serve in the ER, Anne-Marie immediately looked for a new way to contribute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The courtesy calls team was established in the early days of the pandemic to keep patients up to date on the hospital\u2019s evolving COVID-19 protocols. Anne-Marie joined this team of volunteers nearly two years ago and is now a team lead, scheduling shifts and training new volunteers. Though hospital restrictions are now easing, the team of volunteers still calls patients to remind them about their appointments and provide directions on where to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Anne-Marie, the most rewarding part about her role has been helping patients navigate these unprecedented times. \u201cIt was really nice to at least talk to patients and make them feel more comfortable coming into the hospital,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd it felt like I was doing my part to help people during COVID.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are re-building our volunteer services slowly and will open a few opportunities every few months, so please check the website regularly for updates. We look forward to welcoming our community back into the hospital to help improve the patient experience! Visit our volunteer page<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMeet more of our inspiring volunteers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n