Two new volunteers are providing companionship and reassurance to Cardiology patients at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) using their own lived experience.
Under the guidance of the Kilverstone ward staff, Bernie Searle and Andy Hedtke have been visiting patients who are waiting to travel to Papworth Hospital for heart surgery.
Bernie was inspired to start volunteering after being visited by a volunteer during his time as an in-patient at Papworth. He felt that speaking to someone about their experience helped him a lot. He brought the idea to Kate Goddard, Kilverstone Sister and Kate Cakebread, Cardiology Clinical Facilitator, back in 2020, after having a bypass and valve surgery, as a way of giving something back.
Unfortunately, everything was put on hold due to Covid-19, but earlier this year Bernie started in his role of Expert by Experience Volunteer in Cardiology. He also volunteers at Papworth Hospital one day a week, often seeing our patients there, as they move between both sites.
Bernie said: “I wanted to volunteer because I received fantastic treatment on Kilverstone ward as an in-patient in 2019. The feeling of knowing that you’re giving something back is beyond words, and something I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
Andy spent four weeks on Kilverstone ward in January 2020 before being transferred to Papworth to undergo triple bypass surgery, and similarly wanted to give back something back as a thank you for the excellent care he received.
Andy said: “I fully retired from employment in January this year and after a chance meeting with a staff member at the NNUH I decided to apply to be a volunteer. After attending the induction and looking at the various roles available, I thought offering my experience to patients who were preparing themselves to go on a similar journey to me, would be a great fit.
“I have been visiting Kilverstone ward for two months and, with the support of the staff, I am finding it very fulfilling, speaking to patients pre their Papworth operation and hopefully allaying any fears or apprehensions they might have.”
Kate Cakebread supports the two volunteers on the ward. She said: “Andy and Bernie are an amazing part of our team. Their friendly and warm-hearted manner means they get to know our long stay patients really well. Their support to these patients can bring to our attention worries that they may not have shared with staff so we can better support them.
“The nursing staff really appreciate what they do, one calling them absolute legends, which I totally agree with. I look forward to working with them and seeing if we can develop the role further.”
