Student Volunteering Week: An Interview with Molly

From 9th – 15th February it’s Student Volunteering Week. We’re fortunate to have the brilliant support of local students in Leeds who generously give their time to St Gemma’s Hospice in many different roles.

We caught up with Molly who gives her time as a Ward Support Volunteer, who shared a moving account of the impact her time and skill makes on our wards at the Hospice.

Molly is a student at the University of Leeds studying Biomedical Sciences. She has been volunteering with St Gemma’s for just over a year. Her role is to support the ward with tasks such as making a drink for families and staff, re-stocking equipment, and sitting with patients and supporting them as a companion.

What motivated you to volunteer?

My grandpa spent his final few weeks in a hospice and felt so at peace during this time due to the staff and work the hospice provided. I wanted to help others feel this way and make a difference to people at some of the hardest times in their lives.

I am passionate about a career in the healthcare sector, and volunteering has given me a deeper insight into how a broader care team comes together to provide a holistic approach to palliative care.

Could you describe what you do in your volunteer role?

I mainly offer a helping hand on the wards to ensure they run smoothly, ranging from sitting with patients, talking to them, going to the shops for them, and keeping them company so they don’t feel so alone, to restocking the wards’ store cupboard. The nursing staff are often very busy, and my role helps ease their workload and provides a second pair of hands.

I have sat with patients in their last few hours, and whilst they have taken their last breaths, so they don’t pass away alone. I kept talking to them, as hearing is the last thing to go. I would never want anyone to pass away by themselves, so by being there with them, I feel satisfied that they are at peace and cared for. I also offer support to visitors, which is just as important, as no one wants to see their loved ones so poorly.

What you enjoy about volunteering and how might it support you in the future?

I thoroughly enjoy working within the ward environment setting, but my main enjoyment is knowing I have made a difference to the patients and their loved ones. Sometimes I leave my shift with a bittersweet feeling – I feel a buzz knowing I have had such a positive impact on someone’s life, but a feeling of sadness that such amazing people have to go through such battles. I enjoy meeting such a diverse range of patients and staff, chatting with them and learning about their lives.

In the future, I would like to pursue a career in healthcare after my degree, most likely nursing, and my volunteering has shown me how much I enjoy working in care and on a ward. This role will support me in the future when I apply for master’s degrees, but also with experience of working with people from all different backgrounds and how I need to adapt my approach to suit the patient. This clinical experience is the most valuable form of education, helping me develop the skills and attributes required to be the best nurse possible.

Anything you else you would like to share?

I just want to say thank you to the staff at St Gemma’s Hospice for giving me this amazing opportunity, which I absolutely love, and for making me feel so welcome and included. But also thank you to all the patients and families who have allowed me to be part of their care and let me support them. It makes my volunteering so much more worthwhile and meaningful.

Thank you Molly for everything you do to support St Gemma’s and our patients. We really appreciate you taking the time to chat with us!

If you’ve felt inspired by Molly’s story, learn more about volunteering with your local hospice.