‘The first smile that you see’: N.S. Health looks to recruit more hospital volunteers
Volunteer Numbers at Nova Scotia Health Slow to Rebound Post-Pandemic
Despite efforts to recruit more volunteers, Nova Scotia Health is still seeing a decline in the number of individuals willing to give their time to support patients. Three years after welcoming volunteers back to all hospitals, the program is only operating at 58% of its pre-pandemic capacity.
The decrease in volunteers is not unique to Nova Scotia Health, as hospitals across Canada have experienced a 47% drop in volunteering hours between 2018 and 2023. Factors contributing to this decline include the pandemic, inflation, and labour shortages.
Lauren Murphy, director of recruitment and volunteer services at Nova Scotia Health, acknowledges the challenges in rebuilding the volunteer program after it was largely suspended during the height of the pandemic. Many former volunteers, who had been with the program for years, have been hesitant to return.
Volunteers Play a Vital Role
Volunteers at Nova Scotia Health, easily identified by their red vests, play a crucial role in interacting with patients and visitors, directing individuals around the hospital, and providing assistance. Despite the challenges in recruiting new volunteers, there have been positive signs of interest in the program.
Last year, Nova Scotia Health hosted its first provincewide career fair, attracting thousands of attendees who showed interest in volunteering. This year, over 5,000 individuals attended the fair, indicating a renewed interest in volunteering.
According to Murphy, volunteers are essential to the functioning of the hospital and contribute significantly to the overall patient experience. Their presence is often the first friendly face that patients encounter, helping to create a welcoming and supportive environment.
As efforts continue to rebuild the volunteer program at Nova Scotia Health, the organization remains optimistic about the potential for growth and the important role that volunteers play in the healthcare system.
