Elsa brings her customer service experience to her volunteer role
She helps patients to find their way to their appointment and she also assists with administration. Elsa has volunteered since the hospital opened in 2021.
Other volunteers at Finchley Memorial Hospital support the chemotherapy lounge and help serve refreshments to patients who are receiving their treatment.
“My role is to meet and greet patients with a smile and guide them to the relevant reception area where they need to be checked in,” said Elsa.
This is important to ensure their hospital experience is as smooth and stress free as possible.
“Occasionally patients need a helping hand due to mobility issues or when feeling unsure on how to get to the MRI unit on the first floor. In addition, I support the ophthalmology team with calls to remind patients of their forthcoming appointments.”
The role came naturally to Elsa, having spent years working in product management where she also managed the relationship with customers.
Elsa has always believed in great customer service even when the product might have caused issues to ensure the customer felt supported.
“After retiring I had the gift of time and decided to volunteer at the Royal Free Hospital as a dementia companion.
“However, with the lockdown I could not continue and afterwards I began volunteering as meet-and-greet volunteer at Finchley Memorial Hospital.
I really enjoy the role as it gives me the opportunity to engage with people, help those in need and occasionally have a brief chat with patients who stop and talk to me.
“The staff are really nice and always appreciate what I do as it helps ensure patients, especially those who have never been to this site, go to the right place.”
If you’d like to find out more about volunteering opportunities, please email Adam Jenkins-Donovan using the link below or take a look at our volunteering pages.