When I started working at Sunnybrook more than two years ago, I remember being lost for a good month. Sunnybrook is like its own little city, with equally massive square footage. (There’s at least one doctor I noticed who uses a scooter to get from one end of the hospital to the other.) I can only imagine what it must be like for new patients and their families coming in — who are already dealing with the stress of injury or illness — to try and navigate their way.
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| Rosemary Gray has been a Sunnybrook volunteer for 14 years. She’s taking part in the new Volunteer Ambassador Program. |
Thankfully, Sunnybrook’s many volunteers are always on hand to help. And now, some are part of fabulous new initiative called the Volunteer Ambassador Program. Think of it as a greeting program for new patients, where volunteers offer a plethora of A to Z information, provided through conversation and a little blue bag stuffed with helpful handouts and brochures.
Sunnybrook’s Office of the Patient Experience helped launched the initiative in February. Much like the customer care model you would see in the retail sector, the goal is to approach you at the door and make sure you know you’re being taken care of. There’s no bigger need for that than at the hospital.
The hope is to give patients the answers before they even think of the questions, and to help patients and their families gain some independence while at Sunnybrook. So far, the program has received a thumbs up from patients, but it’s always great to hear your thoughts. If you have some feedback, send it here, PatientExperience@sunnybrook.ca or call 416-480-6100 ext.67756.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, this is yet another way they give back and help. Make sure to take a moment to express your appreciation. And on behalf of everyone who has been assisted by a volunteer here at Sunnybrook (including myself, trying to find my way around during my first month of employment) thank you for all that you do!
