‘It begins with a smile’, says Brantford hospital volunteer

Dianna Cowie decided in 2019 to become a volunteer at the Brant Community Healthcare System (Brantford General Hospital and Willett Hospital in Paris). She didn’t look back.

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“I am now 76 years old and had been retired from teaching for seven years. I had spent considerable time with my mother when she was ill,” Cowie said. “While she was in the Brantford General Hospital, we experienced so many things’ the volunteers did for us.”

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When the time was right, Cowie contacted the Volunteer Association at the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS).

“I talked with Kari Astles to inquire about becoming a volunteer. Soon, I completed an orientation session and started volunteering.”

Astles is the senior coordinator of volunteer engagement who works closely with the 300 volunteers at BGH and Willett.

“Coming to the hospital can often be scary and confusing for patients and their families. The volunteers help to get everyone to where they need to go and at the same time put them at ease. This is really appreciated,” Astles said.

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Cowie began volunteering in the ambulatory care department transporting patients for their procedures.

“I tried my best to put patients at ease,” Cowie said. “They were so appreciative which in turn made me feel good.”

Not long after Cowie started volunteering, the pandemic arrived and for an extended period of time volunteers could not come into hospitals. It was a year before the all clear was given and volunteers returned.

“We developed new policies and procedures to keep our volunteers safe,” Astles said. “We heard from everyone – the staff and physicians and the volunteers – everyone couldn’t wait for the volunteers to return.”

Cowie quickly came back so she could give back. “I now volunteer in the people and resources navigator program where I welcome patients, families, and visitors at the main entrance to the BGH.”

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“People need some assistance, and it begins with a smile,” Cowie said. “Most people are very grateful, which gives me satisfaction.”

Astles agrees the sense of appreciation volunteers receive is one of the benefits, adding they create social connections with other volunteers. She added with a laugh, “They receive free parking too.”

The number of departments throughout the BGH and Willett where volunteers can become involved is extensive, including the emergency department, the urgent care center, and many of the clinics including ambulatory care and oncology. As well, volunteers are in administrative roles including diabetes education, the pre-op clinic, and the organizational health department.

Cowie volunteers one to two days each week, and recently has been at the temporary entrance at D-Wing.

“You meet so many interesting people who work at the hospital,” Cowie said. “It makes me feel good.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic there have been fewer volunteers. Astles suggests if you are interested in volunteering to please visit www.bchsys.org/volunteer or call 519-751-5544.

“We would like others to join Dianna.”

Hospital Insider is written by Gary Chalk who assists with communications for the Brant Community Healthcare System.

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