Hospital Volunteer

Western General

Beth has settled into a volunteer routine at the Western General hospital. The multi-building hospital (she is in the Anne Ferguson building) has almost as many beds as Carilion Roanoke Memorial hospital where Beth has volunteered several days a week for years. Those beds are spread out in an almost un-navigable labyrinth of hallways, floors, and buildings.

Two days every week she walks 30 minutes from our flat to the hospital to work a shift in one of the wards. Her ward has about 20 outpatients who are there for infusion treatments; they receive medication intravenously. Most are there for cancer, some for other reasons. Many are regulars whom Beth has gotten to know. And, she frequently comments about just how friendly and welcoming the staff has been; truly nice people who appreciate the volunteers. Everyone seems interested in helping her succeed.

She spends her time there visiting with each patient while pushing a trolly (drinks, snacks, lunches). The point, beyond the trolly service, is to connect with the patients on a personal level, help put them at ease, and help take their minds off their serious medical conditions. This is a win-win for all involved.

However, and there is always a however, she has to wear a branded purple uniform polo shirt and trousers. Those who know Beth well, especially those at Carilion Roanoke Memorial, understand Beth is the only volunteer there who doesn't wear a uniform; it conflicts with her high-fashion sensibilities.