QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department is working with reduced space, which may lead to delays for those with less urgent concerns. Learn more here.
Starting Saturday, December 14, the entrance to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department will change to 1840 Bell Road. Learn more.
With The Heart of Health series, we’re shining a light on the many dedicated employees, physicians, learners, and volunteers who make Nova Scotia Health such a remarkable place to work and receive care. Today we’re featuring volunteer Shirley Watson-Poole.
Shirley Watson-Poole worked in the Nova Scotia health system for 35 years before retiring and becoming a volunteer at Yarmouth Regional Hospital’s information desk. She also volunteered as a patient family advisor for Primary Health Care. Having moved to Sydney in May to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law and new grandbaby, it didn’t take Shirley long to seek out a new volunteer gig at Cape Breton Regional Hospital’s volunteer information desk.
“I wanted to help out and also meet people,” said Shirley. It’s rewarding to help patients find their way. I’m a people person. It’s nice being out front.”
Shirley said the volunteer role is all about “the little things.” She commented that in her previous two-hour volunteer shift, she had 33 people approach the information desk for help. While most people stop just long enough to get directions and be on their way, Shirley said some want to chat for a few minutes, and she sees her role in these moments as being a listening ear.
Sometimes patients will come back to the desk on their way out to say, “Thank you. I found what I was looking for!” Shirley finds these moments rewarding, knowing she’s been able to contribute to their experience in what she calls a small way. Recognizing the stress that patients and families experience when coming to hospital, having a volunteer to greet them with a warm smile and help them find their way is no small offering. Thank you, Shirley!
For more information about volunteer opportunities, please visit Volunteer Services | Nova Scotia Health
We want to learn and share your stories. What keeps you going, despite challenges? What does working in health and health care mean to you, both personally and professionally? Who is that colleague or teammate that makes going to work easier when things feel hard?
Whether you’ve had a defining moment that reaffirmed your purpose or want to recognize a colleague who embodies the heart of health, share your story with us. Let’s celebrate each other! E-mail: heartofhealth@nshealth.ca