To mark International Volunteers Day we hear from Claire and Carol about their volunteer roles at UHDB
A former midwife, and maternity housekeeper, who dedicated over 35 years of service to women, birthing people and babies, have returned to the Trust, following retirement, to volunteer and provide wellbeing support to their colleagues, helping them to deliver good care to patients.
Former midwife, Claire and maternity housekeeper, Carol will be familiar faces to many due to their years of service at Royal Derby Hospital. They are now part of a University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) volunteer programme providing wellbeing support to their colleagues through a new role that was created following PhD research conducted by Claire.
Claire and Carol both volunteer in 'colleague support roles', which means they focus on supporting colleagues by doing tasks to make their lives easier such as taking samples to labs, and answering phone calls, as well as offering wellbeing support.
Claire's research inspired the role as it explored how labour ward colleagues at Royal Derby Hospital (RDH) could enhance their wellbeing.
Her research involved talking to colleagues about what made them feel good at work, Claire said: "Responses varied between individuals and included things like, being thanked for a job well done, someone asking if you're ok, or working in teams to benefit patients. If you know what makes your colleagues feel good, you can try and make that happen for them, which lifts the whole atmosphere.”
Through the colleague support volunteer role, Claire and Carol have received training by the UHDB wellbeing team to ensure they have appropriate resources and information readily available to share with colleagues.
Claire added: "One of the most valued tasks we can do is make everyone a hot drink, which in the middle of a busy shift, can make a significant difference to how people feel about their working day. A cup of tea, some biscuits, and a conversation about how people are feeling, can make them feel happier, which stretches across everybody, clinical and non-clinical."
Claire and Carol, who have been doing their volunteer roles for nearly two years and one year respectively, say it's the people at the heart of it. "Since we've retired, we like to keep active in the community and give something back where we can. There are so many fabulous people who work so hard here at the Trust. It's great to spend time with them and that’s why we love doing what we do."
Volunteering at UHDB is open to anyone over the age of 16 who can commit to a minimum of six months or more of volunteering at least once a week.
Claire explains: "Volunteering can be really flexible, and you can work it around you and your personal life, if you're away on holiday or can't make it in due to sickness, you just start back when you're able to."
You can get involved in volunteering opportunities here at UHDB > (opens in new window).