Hato Hone St John is seeking volunteers for its Friends of the Emergency Department team at Tauranga Hospital, supporting patients and whānau during challenging moments.

No medical experience was needed, and despite being based in the emergency department, volunteers rarely encounter blood, FED co-ordinator Barbara Inkster said.

“We just pop in and talk to them and distract them for some time,” Inkster said.

Volunteers are needed for a variety of shifts at Tauranga Hospital. Photo / Mead Norton

Volunteers can choose from four shifts: 6am to 10am, 10am to 2pm, 2pm to 6pm, and 6pm to 10pm, Inkster said.

“It runs seven days a week, so we need a few people.”

New volunteers don’t need any experience and will first be paired up for a buddy shift to see if the role suits them, she said.

“They need to come and observe. We don’t want them getting too far down the track and not liking it.”

The FED team is close-knit, with a group chat and occasional catch-ups every few months, Inkster said.

“It’s just a nice social thing.”

This year marks Inkster’s 22nd anniversary volunteering in the emergency department, having started in Auckland.

“It’s a privilege to be allowed in behind the scenes. You do things that make people’s lives a bit easier.”

One of the lesser-known perks of the role is gaining a better understanding of how the hospital works, she said.

“It gives you an insight into how the hospital runs and helps you become less agitated when waiting.”

Inkster runs the FED volunteer group alongside Tina Vanderchantz, who said she has been part of Hato Hone St John since she was 8.

Vanderchantz joined as a cadet, became a leader, and stepped away after having children.

“A long time later, my youngest decided she wanted to join St John’s, so she came along, and the leaders here persuaded me to come back.”

Volunteers do not deal with the more traumatic aspects of emergency care and can choose not to approach certain patients, she said.

“Now and then, the volunteers see police presence, and there is always a security guard there in case of difficult patients.”

Despite the intensity of the environment, working in the emergency department can be incredibly rewarding, Vanderchantz said.

“You can really brighten someone’s day who’s been waiting for hours.”

While there’s minimal interaction with medical staff, volunteers are notified when patients are allowed to eat, she said.

“We can’t feed them before that, because it may affect the results.”

Once cleared, volunteers provide sandwiches and coffee and coordinate with the hospital kitchen if any shortages arise.

To volunteer, visit: https://www.stjohn.org.nz/