HSE Mid-West searches for PALS volunteers in Limerick hospitals

THE Patient Advocacy Liaison Service (PALS) of HSE Mid West is looking for volunteers to join their teams in University Hospital Limerick, Ennis and Croom Orthopaedic Hospitals

A spokesperson for the service said: “PALS volunteers are ambassadors for the hospitals, providing a welcome for patients and visitors, assisting with directions and general queries, and helping people to provide feedback on their hospital experience.

“The volunteers are a key element of efforts to improve care standards and the patient experience in our hospitals.”

The spokesperson added: “For some, volunteering for PALS can be the very first step on a new career path. One of the very first volunteers for the service in Ennis Hospital subsequently became a porter in the hospital.”

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For PALS volunteer at UHL, Roseanne Richard, the volunteering itself is the reward: “I really look forward to coming in every week to volunteer. It’s a privilege to help make it a little bit easier for patients to navigate through UHL. Hospitals can be daunting places for patients and their families, so you really can make a positive difference when you can offer any help at all.”

PALS wants to hear from people who can volunteer for at least three hours per week during the mornings between 9am and 4.30pm.

Josephine Fogarty, PALS manager at UHL, said: “To volunteer, you must be aged 18 years or older; be friendly and caring in your approach to meeting people; and supportive of the ethos of our hospitals. Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and sign up for a variety of reasons, including interest in healthcare, or a desire to use their free time for something positive in their local communities.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for PALS should send an email to UHLPals@hse.ie, outlining their hospital preference, available hours and a contact phone number.