Photo: Volunteers Sandra Brown and Julie Daniels, from Dunfermline
A volunteer ‘meet and greet’ initiative to welcome and assist patients is being introduced at Queen Margaret Hospital. The greeters, who are currently based at the Minor Injuries and Temporary Outpatients entrance, will provide a friendly face, assisting patients and visitors at what can sometimes be an anxious time.
Liz Nicol, NHS Fife Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “Some patients can be apprehensive about visiting hospital particularly if the surroundings are unfamiliar – a friendly face to greet people makes any visit that bit easier. Greeters have already been in place at Victoria Hospital and St Andrews Hospital for some time and have proved very successful, with positive feedback from patients and visitors. We’re delighted to roll out this initiative at Queen Margaret.”
Greeters will be based at the Minor Injuries and Temporary Outpatients entrance two days a week, with plans to increase this in the coming months as more volunteers take part. Following completion of the redevelopment work at the main entrance and reception, the greeters will move to the main reception area.
Anyone who is interested in becoming a greeter or in other volunteering opportunities with NHS Fife can contact Liz Nicol, NHS Fife Volunteer Co-ordinator, on 01592 729971 or email elizabeth.nicol@nhs.net for further information.