NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s director of nursing is encouraging more people to consider applying to be a volunteer working with patients and families. To mark Volunteers’ Week, the board is highlighting what they say is the vital contribution volunteers make, and sharing the story of one young volunteer whose experience providing companionship and practical support to hospital patients is helping prepare him for a future career in medicine.
Matthew Leung, 18, from East Renfrewshire, volunteers for around two hours each week at the New Victoria Hospital in Glasgow, where he has been balancing his role alongside his sixth-year school studies.
Matthew, who will begin studying medicine at the University of Glasgow after the summer, started volunteering in August and now splits his time between welcoming visitors at the hospital’s main entrance and supporting patients on Ward 1, an older people’s ward.
He says the role has given him valuable insight into life in a clinical environment, while also allowing him to make a meaningful difference to patients’ experiences:
“I have a free double period on a Thursday and I wanted to do something worthwhile with the time. I want to work in healthcare, so this felt like a really good opportunity.
“I really love this role. Every day is a bit different and you’re meeting lots of different people. I’ve learned so much from doing it and gained so much experience.”
As part of his volunteering, Matthew spends time chatting with patients, helping with small tasks such as making tea or providing snacks, and offering companionship to those who may be feeling isolated during their stay in hospital.
He spoke about the impact these small interactions can have:
“For some patients, they are in hospital for a long time and away from home and their families, which can be quite lonely, so I and the other volunteers do what we can to provide some company.
“One of the patients asks me to read her Bible to her as the text is too small. It’s small things like that that can make a difference to someone’s day.”
Alongside supporting patients, Matthew says he gets the opportunity to observe healthcare staff at work and learn more about the skills required in medical careers:
“I’m going on to study medicine, so I’ve enjoyed getting experience of a ward environment. It has been really good to observe the nurses and doctors and see the collection of skills and qualities they have.”
Outside the hospital, Matthew is also an accomplished musician, playing both piano and percussion as part of a 13-piece chamber orchestra with friends from school.
The group has already raised £3,000 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and is keen to use music to give back locally. Matthew hopes to organise a future performance for patients and staff at the New Victoria Hospital.
He says he hopes he can continue volunteering when he moves on to university:
“I would like to keep doing this, but I will have to check my new timetable. Hopefully I’ll be in a position to carry on because I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Invaluable team members
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde says volunteers play a key role across, providing support, comfort and companionship to patients in a variety of settings.
Professor Angela Wallace, Executive Nurse Director and Executive Lead for Volunteering at NHSGGC, says she hopes others will consider getting involved and joining the NHS GGC volunteering community:
“Our volunteers are an invaluable part of our teams, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do.
“They support people in ways that are both practical and deeply human – offering time, compassion and connection, which are so important in healthcare settings.
“On behalf of everyone at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, I would like to thank our volunteers for their dedication and commitment as part of our wider NHSGGC family.”
The board says there is a range of roles available across hospital and community settings, emphasising that just a few hours each week can have a meaningful impact, not only for those receiving support, but for volunteers themselves.
Find out more about volunteering with NHSGGC by clicking here.
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