An Ipswich man is among the first people to start supporting staff and patients at Ipswich Hospital as a reservist.
Dale Wisdom, who works full time with UK Power Networks, jumped at the chance to join the NHS Reservists scheme for the East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust.
Reservists work on a flexible basis at Colchester and Ipswich hospitals and ESNEFT’s community sites.
The national initiative aims to provide the NHS with extra resources it can call on when facing staffing issues or other pressures.
At ENSEFT, 150 reservists are now supporting staff.
Mr Wisdom said: “I have always had a passion for working in healthcare and specifically in a hospital environment.
“When I saw the advert for the reservists, I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me.
“I get real satisfaction from knowing I’m making a difference to people’s lives and helping to make their hospital stay that bit easier. It is also really fulfilling to know that by carrying out basic tasks, I am freeing up the nurses and HCAs to focus on medical care.
“I love that each shift is different. Tasks can range from making beds and helping with the food service to simply chatting to the patients, making sure they are comfortable and trying to make their admission a little bit happier.”
Paula Smith, from Colchester, signed up to give something back after her life was saved by the NHS.
Spending 30 years in finance, she has been caring for her sister following a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
The Colchester resident said: “Being a reservist is very rewarding and its fantastic to see how grateful both the patients and staff are for our help.
“It has made me appreciate even more how hard all the staff work in the NHS.
“It’s lovely having time to sit and talk with patients who may not have any visitors and being on hand to help the staff with tasks that free them up a little to carry out their clinical role. What I enjoy the most is being part of a great team, and feeling appreciated.
“My role is so varied and so far I have spent time talking to patients, getting supplies for them from the shop and phoning relatives for them. I also make beds, clean down equipment and replenish stock, as well as answering the phone and taking messages.
“Patients and relatives have told me I’ve helped them to feel less lonely and make them more appreciative of the service the NHS provides.
The reservist scheme is open to qualified clinical staff as well as people with no previous experience.
Emma Sweeney, deputy chief nurse at ESNEFT, said: “We’ve received some fantastic feedback about our reservists so far, with both staff and patients telling us they really appreciate the support they provide.
“The reservists will help us out when we need additional support, but also give those who have signed up a fantastic insight into just how rewarding a career in the health service can be. We would encourage anyone who would like to find out more to get in touch.”
Anyone who is interested in finding out more can visit the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board website for further information.
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