From peonies to patients: new role for gardening volunteer in A&E department

Brian is taking part in a pilot project to see how Royal Free Charity volunteers can improve the experience of patients attending the emergency and urgent treatment centres at Barnet and the Royal Free hospitals.

Brain said: ​“I was motivated to start volunteering in the emergency department as I always said if I was going to do something indoors at the hospital, I would like to be active and involved. I knew this was a trial project and an evolving role and so that interested me too.”

A&E volunteers help patients and relatives with directions to the different areas in the emergency department as well as escorting them to other parts of the hospital for procedures such as x‑ray scans

A large part of the role is explaining the waiting procedures and helping patients to understand what they are waiting for. He explained: ​“It is satisfying and you get a lot out of it. I do a lot of reassuring anxious patients. I am learning more about how to recognise the patients who may be more anxious.”

The role was created by the charity as part of an intensive programme of support for the Royal Free London’s emergency services, which includes a fundraising appeal.

The charity is aiming to raise money for a range of projects such as:

• bespoke calm spaces for children with neurodivergent conditions to help reduce their distress, thus speeding up examinations and treatment
• a suite of measures to reduce disorientation and distress for patients with dementia
• specialist seating for patients who experience pain and discomfort due to orthopaedic conditions or limited mobility
• specialist mattresses for patients who have to wait on trolleys in A&E which will reduce the risk of them developing pressure sores
• toys and activities for children and teenagers awaiting treatment to help pass the time and distract them from their discomfort
• renovated staff areas to create a more restful environment for staff on breaks during 12-hour shifts.