Launch of meeter and greeter service

Launch of meeter and greeter service

14 December 2022

THE Downe Hospital’s new meeter and greeter service has been officially launched.

Fifty two volunteers have been recruited to work at the Downe and other hospitals across the South Eastern Trust with the launch of the new initiative held as part of the organisation’s international volunteers’ day celebrations.

The meeter and greeter service was established at the Downpatrick hospital following a request by the health trust’s chief executive Roisin Coulter as part of the ‘Keeping the Heart in the Downe’ project.

A meeter and greeter desk in reception is manned by local volunteers who welcome visitors and patients as they enter the front foyer of the hospital. They then help them find their way to wards and departments.

Volunteers carry out a variety of essential roles.

There are volunteer drivers, activity volunteers, ard volunteers, peer supporters and befrienders in the community who give up their time to help a diverse range of patients and clients in local hospitals, facilities and in the community.

Ms Coulter said volunteers play such an important role across the health trust.

“I was delighted to visit the Downe and see for myself the incredible work that our volunteers do, not just here in the Downe Hospital, but throughout the community,” she said.

The trust chief explained the ‘Keeping the Heart in the Downe’ initiative is “truly a reflection of the heartfelt work which volunteers in this area undertake every single day”.

She continued: “The Trust celebrates Hidden Heroes and the volunteers who quietly help anyone who needs them certainly fall into this category. They are an integral part of the organisation and I would like to express my gratitude to them.”

The health trust’s acting chairman, Jonathan Patton, welcomed the opportunity to pay tribute to  teams of volunteers whom he described as playing an “invaluable” role in the organisation.

“The dedication of our volunteers throughout the Trust really makes a difference to the lives of so many people,” he said. “Their enormous contribution helps us to improve the experience of those we care for.”  

Volunteer meeter and greeter Marion Ritchie, a former member of the Downe Hospital’s nursing team, said she really enjoys volunteering.

“I always find that the people I help are very friendly and grateful for the service the team provides. I just love it,” she added.

 The health trust’s volunteer services manager, Sonya Duffy, said she is delighted the organisation has been able to recruit enough volunteers to provide a meeter and greeter service five days a week. 

“We have 52 volunteers in the Downpatrick area, 23 of whom have been recruited this year,” she said. “Volunteers make a fantastic contribution and improve our services in a meaningful way.

“And we are keen to recruit more and offer opportunities for people from the local community to join our team and help us make a positive difference in people lives.”  

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to email volunteer@setrust.hscni.net