Get to know Melissa
Q. Introduce yourself…
A. #Hellomynameis… Melissa and I am a second year adult student nurse at the University of Chester. Having the opportunity to be a volunteer at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - Liverpool is an absolute privilege. My role as a volunteer ranges from welcoming patients at reception and helping them get around the hospital for their appointments to supporting staff on the wards.
Q. Why did you choose to volunteer at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool?
A. I want to support patients in any way I can to make their visit that little bit easier and welcoming them to this state-of-the-art hospital to receive exceptional cancer care is a privilege.
Q. How do you think your role as a volunteer will contribute to improving patient care?
A. Our roles as volunteers at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - Liverpool are vital. As it’s a new hospital patients who are visiting for the first time may be feeling overwhelmed and us being there can help them feel less anxious and have a more positive experience. Something as simple as accompanying a patient to their appointment really does make a difference and even more so now during the coronavirus pandemic. As no visitors are currently allowed in the hospital, us being there to support patients can put their family and friends at ease knowing that their loved one is not on their own.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
A. You’ll always regret what you didn’t do rather than what you did - take every opportunity!
Q. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you have to have with you?
A. Food, cups of tea and sun cream.
Q. What would people be surprised to discover about you?
A. I studied Forensic Psychology before starting my nurse training.
Did you enjoy meeting Melissa? Well, we have lots of other volunteers you can meet, like Melanie and Wayne.