The retired midwife and nurse has been a lay visitor with the lay chaplaincy service at Manor Hospital in Walsall, West Midlands, since 2005. She is a member of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue and is also a secretary at her local British Legion
Why the chaplaincy service?
While visiting a friend in hospital she asked me to say a prayer with her. It was through this that I thought that other patients would like the same, a prayer. With this in mind, I knocked on the door of a chaplaincy department to offer my services.
What does your volunteering role involve?
I have two appointed wards of approximately 25 beds in each, which I visit on a Monday morning where I talk to patients and staff. Often patients just want to talk, and sometimes I read them poetry. I leave a booklet telling the patient what we do in the chaplaincy department, times of Christian services and other available religious chaplains. I also give out prayer cards, either one with a psalm or a message from the Torah.
I attended a course of instruction in preparation for this job. We discussed how to say a prayer, how to approach people, hygiene procedures and most of all, how to listen to people without commenting.
What do you most enjoy about being a volunteer?
When I began volunteering I realised how little time I had had as a nurse to really listen to my patients, so now is a time of great fulfilment. It gives me a chance to pass on any problems the patient has, either to the staff or to the senior chaplain.
What is your most memorable volunteering moment?
Every day is a day to remember, giving a prayer of solace where the patient is dying. A prayer is my blessing.