Being in hospital can be lonely and disorienting, especially during long stays or when facing uncertainty. Ward Volunteers are a warm presence in clinical spaces, offering comfort, conversation and practical support to patients and their whānau.
Whether it’s fetching a magazine, offering a warm cuppa, or simply listening with compassion, Ward Volunteers help make hospital stays feel a little less daunting, and offer another layer of support to busy hospital staff.
Why it matters
A familiar face, a short chat or a quiet moment of company can lift a patient’s spirits and ease feelings of isolation. Volunteers bring a human touch that clinical care alone can’t always provide.
Meet Maureen
Maureen has been volunteering at Hutt Hospital for the past two years, bringing warmth and a calm presence to her roles as a guide, book trolley helper and ward support volunteer in the Coronary Care Unit.
It’s so nice for patients and visitors to see a smiling face. A simple chat can make a real difference, especially when people just need to be heard.
Maureen’s life experience is as rich as her volunteer contribution. A former architectural draughtsperson and science communicator at GNS, she’s also a mother of seven and grandmother of eight. Even in retirement, she remains an active part of her community - volunteering, supporting schools and showing up for those in need.
It’s a really good thing to do and you get great biscuits! But seriously, volunteers need to listen more, assume less and be present. Sometimes, just being there is enough.
One moment that’s stayed with Maureen was supporting a patient in mental distress.
I just listened. After about an hour, he calmed down and shared what was really worrying him. That conversation made a difference.
Maureen’s empathy, patience and gentle humour embody what this role is all about. Volunteers like her help patients feel safe, seen and supported and remind us all that small acts of kindness can have a big impact.