Hospital Guides
Are often the first person visitors are greeted by when attending the Hospitals
There are three Guides Desks at Lyell McEwin Hospital (LMH) and one at the main Modbury Hospital entrance
70 Guides work at LMH, 7 days a week
15 Guides work Monday to Friday at Modbury Hospital
many thousands of hours are provided by NHVA Guides every year
“Ive been a patient for so many years at the hospital. It’s just me giving back” - Stephen
“The hospital saved my husband’s life so I wanted to put something into the hospital for thanking them” - Cathie
Ward Volunteers
Ward Volunteers are an integral part of the inpatient experience
Volunteers support over 35 wards in Lyell McEwin and Modbury Hospitals
They provide comfort to patients and their families
Volunteers assist Nursing staff with the day to day activities
Many Modbury Ward volunteers have a specific focus on rehabilitation, older persons and palliative care services
“You are helping people in need... they come back, they give you a hug, and they say, "You are an angel", and that’s what you take home with you” - Barbara
“You feel like you are helping families at a most crucial time in their life” - Sue
Emergency Department (A&E)
Lyell McEwin Hospital Volunteers have been an integral part of the Emergency Department since 1998, supporting patients, their families and medical staff, 7 days a week from 9am-7pm
There are 23 dedicated volunteers providing over 4,200 hours of support each year
Modbury Hospital Volunteers support patients , their families and medical staff in the Accident and Emergency Department with a dedicated team of 5 working Monday to Friday
“It’s a very rewarding position to be in, giving back to the community, it’s let me get back out into the wide world and enjoy people again” - Garrie
“The doctors and nurses are so busy. A lot of time they don’t have that little bit of extra time just to spend with someone. At least by being able to talk to us, hopefully we make a difference to their day” - Kaye
Community Services
NHVA volunteers are part of the Northern Mental Health Recovery Service, James Nash House and Northgate teams
Volunteers have been providing this support for over 20 years
The Northern Mental Health Recovery Service is currently supported by 21 volunteers who contribute over 2,250 hours of work each year
James Nash House and Northgate Volunteers focus on patient engagement working closely with the Lifestyle Coordinators.
“I think the most rewarding thing is that we can give back, and at the end of the day we've made someone smile” - Juanita
“Some people just need someone to listen to them. If we can do that, we're doing a good job” - Pat
Community Volunteers
Principally work from home and are the ‘quiet achievers’ that make a significant contribution by:
Knitting hundreds of trauma teddies each year
Knitting beanies and blankets for the Special Care Nursery
Providing Memory Boxes and Angel Dresses as a support to grieving parents
Have been supporting NHVA for over 50 years
“Talking is important, and we as volunteers might be able to stay with someone when the nurses can’t” - Olga
“The most rewarding part about being a volunteer … is just helping people” - Nicholas
“It’s rewarding that you are actually putting something back into the community” - Stephen
Volunteer With Us
(Formerly the Lyell McEwin Volunteer Association)
