Volunteers at Northwick Park Hospital are playing a vital role in helping patients and visitors find their way around — one friendly interaction at a time.
Steve Astaire, a former stockbroker, is part of the hospital’s ‘meet and greet’ team based at the main reception. Twice a week, he helps guide people to the right place, using his now extensive knowledge of the hospital layout.
Steve said: “I started here in 2018 as a way of giving back. It is not the easiest place to find your way around and am glad to hear there is wayfinding project underway to replace all the directional signage.
“People have enough to worry about when they come here without getting lost. I would say I help around 35 people during one of my three hour shifts.”
In a borough where over 100 languages are spoken, Steve often uses Google Translate to assist people. He added: “I enjoy helping people and it is always nice when someone stops me on the way out to say thank you. It’s a bit like working in air traffic control. I just help keep things moving.”
The initiative to improve patients’ first impressions is being supported by other volunteers like Anna Donovan, who works in the A&E department.
Anna said: “I do everything from sit and talk with patients to acting as an advocate and making the tea. Sometimes, it is the small things that count and I go home feeling I have done something useful.”
The hospital says the support from volunteers like Steve and Anna makes a meaningful difference, especially when patients and families are feeling stressed or unsure.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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