The volunteers helping thousands navigate our hospitals

This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the incredible volunteers who bring care, calm and connection to some of the busiest areas of our hospitals.

Often the first friendly face people see when they arrive at Wellington, Hutt or Kenepuru Hospital, our volunteer Hospital Guides help thousands of patients, visitors and whānau find their way every year.

Navigating a busy hospital can be overwhelming, especially when you are worried about a loved one, feeling unwell, or rushing to an appointment. Our guides offer much more than directions, they provide reassurance, a warm welcome and a helping hand for our visitors.

Together, our Hospital Guides make up 60 of our 630 volunteers at the Foundation. Last year alone, they supported more than 57,000 people and generously gave over 6,400 hours of their time.

Behind those numbers are countless small moments of kindness - a quick point in the right direction, a friendly smile, or a walk alongside a patient who isn’t sure where to go.

On an average shift, our guides take thousands of steps as they accompany or wheel patients and visitors to appointments, often answering questions and offering reassurance along the way. You really do need to like walking if you’re a Hospital Guide!

More than anything, they help transform what can be a stressful hospital experience into something a little more manageable.

This video shines a light on the guide team and the important role they play in helping people feel seen, supported and welcomed from the moment they arrive.

To all our volunteer guides, thank you for the kindness, care and comfort you bring to our hospitals every day. We are so grateful for everything you do.