As part of Volunteers’ Week, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is proud to highlight the invaluable contributions of our hundreds of dedicated volunteers from all walks of life.
Susan Hastie and Mary Hirshall, both based at Lightburn Hospital, make a significant impact on the lives of patients across NHSGGC. Their stories exemplify the spirit of volunteering that enriches our communities and enhances the care provided to patients.
Susan Hastie began her volunteering journey as a ward volunteer at the Victoria Infirmary in 2017 and transitioned to Lightburn Hospital in 2023. Her motivation to take up volunteering stemmed from her personal experience.
“My grandfather was in hospital for a few weeks before he passed away”, said Susan. “Between my mum, dad, sister, and me, we made sure every night someone would visit him.” This experience opened her eyes to the loneliness that some patients face.
“Going up often, I could see that some patients don’t get many visitors, and if they did, it’s always nice to have someone different to chat with. I thought I’d like to provide that support.”
Mary Hirshall joined the volunteer team at Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 2018, seeking a fulfilling activity post-retirement. “I was looking for something to do after retirement,” Mary explained. Her commitment to volunteering quickly turned into a passion for providing companionship to those in need.
“I love the opportunity to meet people and provide them with support,” she said. “I enjoy speaking to patients and listening to their stories. That bit of time and company can go a long way for patients, especially those who might not get many visitors.”
Both Susan and Mary play vital roles in enhancing the hospital experience for patients. As Susan elaborated, “As a ward volunteer, I mostly visit the patients and sit and chat with them. I have also at times made them tea or coffee after checking it is okay to do so.” This simple act of kindness goes a long way in fostering a supportive environment.
For both, the joy of meeting different people and hearing their life stories stands out as the highlight of their experience.
“The best part about volunteering is getting to meet so many different people and hearing about life stories,” Susan said. Mary echoed this sentiment, adding, “It’s lovely to talk and give something back; you also make new friends.”
Both volunteers emphasise the importance of volunteering and encourage others to consider joining this rewarding cause.
“Go for it, you won’t regret it”, said Susan. “You’ll have a great time meeting new people and making friends.”
Mary said, “It’s a chance not only to give back, but also to enrich one’s own life. I’ve loved meeting new people in the hospital and always come away feeling more fulfilled.”
The experiences of Susan and Mary serve as a reminder of the profound impact that volunteers can have on patient care and overall hospital experience. Their commitment exemplifies the ethos of community and care that Lightburn Hospital stands for.
Rosemary Cameron, North Sector Volunteer Manager, said: “Susan and Mary are a credit to the NHSGGC volunteer team and the North sector. This week is about reflecting on the amazing work of volunteers, and I’d like to put on record my thanks to them and all our volunteers for their time and dedication.
“Lightburn Hospital is one of our sites where we are actively looking for volunteers to support a range of opportunities. This includes the new monthly bingo quiz to established ward volunteer roles. Volunteering within NHSGGC is a great way to meet new people, develop new skills, and enhance the patient, family and staff experience.”
Many sites across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are actively seeking to recruit volunteers, so to find out more about volunteering, and to see our current opportunities, go to our website: Become a Volunteer – NHSGGC.
