Hear from a student volunteer about their experiences

I would like to begin by saying that my time spent volunteering on Ward 8B at Lister Hospital was unquestionably a delightful experience that I will treasure for a very long time. 

I decided to join the student programme because I wanted to be a doctor and also make a significant impact upon the lives of others.  My Head of Sixth Form made me aware of the student programme at the Lister Hospital and it was something I immediately wanted to take part in. I knew that the experience would expose me to the ward environment and give me a better understanding of the roles of a doctor. 

I was scheduled to work every Thursday across my fifteen-week period from 5-8 pm. My main job throughout the programme was to assist the housekeeper with their usual duties during that particular time. Typical roles included: serving food to patients; making and serving of hot drinks; and water rounds. However, I was also actively involved in helping around the ward: having regular interaction with patients and ensuring that they were alright and that any problems discussed were raised with the ward staff; changing bedding; and being general assistant to the nurses with anything that I could do to help.

For me, not only did I gain a better understanding of the ward environment and some of the crucial roles which nurses and doctors play to deliver a quality service to patients, but more importantly, I came to understand the central focus of the NHS and the people it serves.  I had numerous conversations with people of all different ages and backgrounds and was moved by their warmth when speaking to me. They also spoke to me about their conditions and the treatments they were undergoing. This experience removed any doubts that I had about a career in the healthcare. The opportunity to talk to medical professionals and ask them questions was really informative, and I found the whole experience invaluable.

The student programme is very important and something that I would definitely recommend all young people to be part of. It gives you an eye-opening experience, no matter the amount of knowledge you have prior to joining the programme. For me, it confirmed my choice of a career in healthcare, but it is equally useful if it helps you realise that, actually, this is not the area for you. Whatever you decide, the skills you gain from this programme will help you in all areas of life, no matter what career you choose.

To fins out more about a career in Health & Social care, please click here