Hundreds of people are kind enough to give up their free-time to help provide care at University Hospital of Wales but few can match the generosity of Sadie Joseph.She has clocked up an amazing 40 years of volunteering at the University Hospital of Wales.
Having watched the Queen officially open the Hospital on November 19th 1971, she has seen first hand the hospital grow and develop and helped put countless patients and visitors at ease, guiding them around the hospital.
Sadie, of Pencisely Rise, Cardiff
She has been a volunteer at UHW for more than 40 years and is still on hand today, offering help and directions to visitors to the hospital.
Not only does she offer help finding their way around the huge site but also provides a caring ear to those going through difficult times, speaking with those who are upset or nervous about their visit to the hospital.
She said: “That’s where we come in to help them. We say you’re here now, you’re in good hands and we direct them on their way.
“I’ve known patients that have come in very, very stressed and a few months later I see them and everything is alright and stage by stage they get better.
“I think deep down you have to have some care in your nature because some people come in very worked up, very stressed.
“But the group of doctors here are really first class and the nurses too.”
Over her 40 years of volunteering Sadie has watched the hospital grow and is proud to be helping provide support to the people of Cardiff
She said today’s hospital is much busier than when she first started and likened the hospital’s busy Concourse area to an airport with so many people flowing in and out each day.
Sadie said: “What is wonderful is how they’ve extended over the years. This is a wonderful hospital. It’s one of the best in the country.”
Despite having helped for four decades she still has a passion for her work.
She said: “I get self-satisfaction from helping the people here.
“It all comes from caring. Some people come back and say thank you and when there’s been a bereavement they are very sad, that upsets me too but it would upset anybody. But it’s all about feelings and compassion.
“Sometimes I may have to get away for an appointment and a patient will approach me but I say ‘don’t worry, they can wait for me, you’re more important’. That’s what it’s all about - caring.”
Michelle Folwer, zxcxz said: “
If you would like to play your part and volunteer contact Michelle Fowler on 02920
