MEET the kind-hearted volunteers who are giving up their Christmas Day to spend time with the sick, elderly and infirm at Glasgow’s biggest hospital.
While many of us will be enjoying the company of loved ones, unwrapping presents and tucking into turkey, this tight-knit team of seven selfless individuals will be on the busy wards of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Govan, providing company and companionship to those with no visitors over the festive season.
Here three of them tell Glasgow Times reporter Amanda Keenan why they are delighted to devote December 25 to helping those most in need.
Anne Healy:
Anne has been volunteering as a welcome guide at the hospital since it opened its doors in 2015.
The sprightly 70 -year-old spends every Tuesday aiding those arriving at the hospital for appointments, providing directions and advice on how to best navigate the sprawling medical facility.
Anne, from Govan, decided to give up her Christmas morning to spend some time with those who are struggling as they face being alone at this time of year.
She said: “Nobody wants to be in hospital, but especially at this time of year it can feel isolating. Christmas is usually a time for families getting together, but not everyone has that to look forward to.
“That’s why what we do is so important, we are helping to lift patients’ spirts at a time when they can feel very low. Just a cheery wee chat or asking if they need any toiletries or a cup of tea makes a world of difference to those who feel isolated and alone.”
Anne will be joining a team of volunteers working their way around the wards on Christmas Day.
She added: “It’s such a rewarding role, just seeing a patient’s face light up when you pop in to say hello really makes you feel like you’re doing something worthwhile.
“It’s a privilege really, and I get to meet so many wonderful people. On Christmas morning I’ll be up on the wards speaking to patients and offering a bit of festive fun. It can be tough for people without family or friends, so it’s nice to be able to provide a bit of companionship.
“For some our visits are the only ones they will have over Christmas. Sometimes we will even have a wee sing-song, anything to try to cheer people up as best we can.”
Angela Adamson:
Angela knows better than the most the importance of seeing a friendly face over the festive season.
She has been volunteering on ward 5C at the hospital for the last three years and says the sense of satisfaction she gets mirrors that of those who depend on her visits.
Angela, from Jordanhill in the city’s West End, told the Glasgow Times: “I look forward to spending Christmas Day here because I know myself what it’s like to feel lonely at times.
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“I don’t have any extended family and some of my close friends passed away during the pandemic. I understand how people can feel with nobody to turn to. Volunteering gets me out of the house, and I’ve met so many incredible people doing this.”
Angela’s role is a tasty one as she will help to serve up Christmas lunch to patients. She is urging others like her to consider volunteering.
She added: “It’s really given me a whole new lease of life. If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be sitting in the house feeling down, so I’d much rather be out chatting to people and making myself useful.”
Fiona MacKelvie:
When Fiona retired from her role in NHS management eight years ago, she wanted to find a way to stay busy.
That led her to volunteer as a welcome guide at the hospital and the 83-year-old says it’s a joy to be able to spend Christmas morning helping others.
Fiona, from the West End of the city, said: “Some patients don’t have any visitors popping in and that’s where we can help by having a wee natter over cup of tea.
“For some people Christmas isn’t about opening presents and being with loved ones, it is being stuck in a room with just a television for company. The nurses do a fantastic job but they are rushed off their feet and don’t always have time to sit down and talk to a patient about how they are coping.
“I’ll be up on the wards on December 25 helping to hand out lunch and playing a bit of festive music. I get just as much joy rom it as the patients do, you get to meet interesting people and forge lifelong friendships with the other volunteers.”
Mary Nolan Volunteer manager at the QEUH added: “This service simply wouldn’t exist without the people who generously give up their time throughout the year and especially at Christmas.
“They are just incredible, and it says so much about them that they are choosing to help out at this time of the year.
“I see first-hand the difference they make along with the joy and comfort they provide. I’m proud to say I’ll be with them on the wards on Christmas Day. The sense of community is something to behold and we will be doing our best to try and make it a little brighter for everyone.”
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