Page 14 - Annual Report 2016-17

POINT OF VIEW: AN INTERVIEW WITH TWO VOLUNTEERS

Why did you decide to volunteer at MARLENE COLGROVE in 2016/17
Toronto Western Hospital?
Would you like to share a particular 198
I decided to volunteer at TWH after I had experience that really stands out in your
an arthroscopy to my knee by Dr. Oglivie- memory? volunteers
Harris at TWH. I was so happy that he One experience I will never forget involved gave
returned me to my active lifestyle. I had a grieving family. Gathering outside the
gone to a Sports Clinic and was told that ICU was a quiet but sad group of people, 9,718
my running days were over and I had to heads turned down and talking softly to
wear a leg brace every day for the rest of each other. I felt compelled to offer them a hours
my life. grieving room and so I approached them.
Having run for 27 years, I became rather They were Indigenous people - First Page 12
depressed. Therefore, I went for a second Nation. They seemed unsure and restless
opinion. Dr. Ogilvie-Harris's rst words to to me. One of the men shared their
me were "you don't need a brace; you will concern with me. Their family member had
run again and I am booking you for died and they did not know if they were
surgery". The whole surgery experience allowed to perform their end of life ritual
was pleasant. The anesthetist, the nurses; for their family member in the patient
everyone was so kind and friendly. Dr. room. I spoke to the ICU desk and to the
Ogilvie-Harris was very attentive and nurse, who all agreed, "The room was
instructive during my follow up theirs to do what they needed to do for as
appointments. I felt important. I thought long as they wanted".
to myself, "I want to be a part of an
organization like this". I also felt giving my CCU volunteers are
time was a way to say thank-you. a part of the Guest
How do you feel you have impacted the
TWH Critical Care Waiting Room? Ambassador
I feel that I and other volunteers in the Program
TWH Critical Care Waiting Room have
reduced the number of interruptions (and
therefore stress) to the busy inner
reception area of the ICU by taking the
calls and requests of families directly to
the necessary people. I believe that we
ease the minds of families by keeping them
informed and giving them directions. It is
also very nice to have someone like a
volunteer offer a “Good Morning!” to a
distracted family member.
How has your experience as a volunteer in
the TWH Critical Care Waiting Room
impacted you?
I learned that there are many people
suffering grave illnesses and injuries in this
city and many caring people compelled to
help them. The doctors, nurses, and
support staff at TWH are so dedicated. I
feel that I have made a difference many
times, calmed people, informed some,
made some smile, and had many thank-
yous. That has been very rewarding for
me.