Patient support: peace of mind and understanding in doctor talks
Lionne volunteers with Patient Support and she always accompanies Dolly to appointments at the hospital. 'Very nice that Lionne goes along. Two hear more than one,' says Dolly. 'Small effort, big difference,' Lionne adds.
Conversations with the doctor
Lionne picks up Dolly when she has a hospital appointment. 'On the way, we prepare and go through if there are any questions. During the conversation, I sometimes repeat what the doctor says and answer questions,' Lionne explains. ' Dolly: 'Appointments at the hospital go so fast. I ask Lionne many things and I always ask what she thinks about it. That debriefing is very nice. I'm so glad Patiӫntsupport exists!'
Offering support
Lionne: 'I always tune in if someone is comfortable with me going in, otherwise I stay in the waiting room. When you have a conversation with a doctor, you often only hear the diagnosis and the rest of the conversation passes you by. Understandable, but that's also important and I then report back afterwards,' Lionne explains. 'Going along is not only practical. It is also comforting. Just by being there. That you don't have to do this alone.'
Combination with ANWB Automaatje
It has been ten years since Lionne joined Welzijn Lelystad as a volunteer. She had always worked in care, unexpectedly ended up sitting at home and became very unhappy about it. 'The great thing is that I combine this with ANWB Automaatje, so we don't have to take a taxi. I use my own car and I get a small mileage allowance for that.'
Relieving family and informal carers
Volunteering gives Lionne great satisfaction. 'Helping people is in my character. It's nice to feel useful. It makes me happy when I can relieve someone else's worries. A background in care is not necessary. By going along, you also relieve the family and informal carer. Many family members or informal carers otherwise have to take time off work. I link information back to family, informal carers and care.'
A bright spot are
'She has such a good heart,' says Dolly. 'Actually, I knew right away when we first met. The click was there right away.' A wink. Just a hand on an arm. And a lot of laughter, too. Dolly and Lionne have an obvious click. 'We know each other so well by now that half a word is enough. Do you know what the great thing about this voluntary work is? You are flexible and can be a ray of hope for someone else in just a few hours' time.
Also become a volunteer at Patiëntsupport
Also become a volunteer at Patient Support and help patients like Dolly with their hospital appointments. Offer both practical and emotional support. If you combine this with ANWB Automaatje, you can just go out in your own car and don't have to wait for the taxi.
