An NHS volunteer has spoken of her joy at seeing vulnerable people regain their confidence as she marks 15 years service with the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH).
Morag Brierton is a volunteer driver for the cardiac rehabilitation service and has transported and supported thousands of people to the Paisley hospital.
A critical role for the cardiac team, many of the people who benefit from Morag’s driving would not otherwise be able to access a service which gives people with heart problems access to a wealth of specialists.
The 69-year-old brings patients to the Health at Heart gym, where patients undergo cardiac rehab, physiotherapy and education sessions.
Crucially for many, they also receive practical advice and emotional support which helps to rebuild their confidence and come to terms with a range of different heart conditions.
Morag – who decided to volunteer with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) soon after taking early retirement from the fire service – said she enjoys playing a “small part” in patients’ recoveries and gets as much from volunteering as those she supports.
She said: “I pick people up from all over – Barrhead, Beith, Bridge of Weir and Erskine – who might not otherwise be able to get to the rehab service.
“It’s amazing to see how their confidence grows throughout the weeks of me collecting and dropping them off as they go through their rehab.
“In the beginning they might be nervous to do things for themselves around the house, but when they’re at the cardiac rehabilitation service, they’re on bikes and treadmills getting their mobility back. It’s wonderful to be part of that and to see how much they come on in just a few weeks.”
This week, members of the cardiac rehabilitation team held a celebration to mark Morag’s 15 years of service.
Team lead Myra McKenna told how Morag’s vital role helps break down barriers for patients, as many would be unable to find transport and benefit from the services provided without her.
Myra said: “Morag is very much an embedded member of our team and we are so grateful for the support she has given us over the years.
“Many of our patients are older and may become isolated due to their health condition. They enjoy spending time with Morag in the car having a chat – she builds up strong relationships with them over the weeks she spends picking them up and taking them home.
“Patients will spend around eight weeks coming to us after suffering from a range of conditions like heart attacks, heart failure and surgeries.”
Many sites across NHSGGC, including the RAH, are seeking to recruit volunteers for a range of roles.
Harry Balch, NHSGGC volunteer manager, said: “Morag is our current longest-serving volunteer and we’re only aware of a small number of others who have volunteered for as long as her.
“The kindness and support she has shown to patients and staff throughout the years is remarkable and we are so grateful to her.”
To find out more about volunteering, and to see current opportunities, check the “Become a Volunteer” page on the NHSGGC website.
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