Our Volunteers: Blessing Beaufort Memorial With a ‘Heart for Service’

A trip to the emergency room — or to the hospital in general — can be nerve-wracking and downright scary, but volunteers at Beaufort Memorial are dedicated to making it a better experience for every patient.

Beaufort Memorial is proud to be served by a robust team of more than 100 volunteers. This includes a group of volunteers, dedicated specifically to the Beaufort Memorial Pratt Emergency Center, known as the Emergency Department (ED) Ambassadors.

These patient ambassadors provide a friendly face and presence for patients and their families during what can be a very stressful time. They offer comfort, facilitate communication between patients, their families and staff, and help with nonclinical tasks, such as running errands or assisting at registration.

“When the ED is crowded, it affects our patients and taxes our staff’s ability to provide timely and meaningful communication to patients’ loved ones,” says Anna Makar, patient advocate and volunteer services coordinator who launched the Emergency Department Volunteer Ambassador Program in 2022 in response to surges in patient volumes. “I knew we were on the right track when staff, right away, started telling me how helpful the volunteers are and how the entire shift goes so much smoother when they are here.”

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’re taking a few minutes to shine a light on the many valuable services these volunteers and others provide to our hospital and our patients.

Read More: Candy Striper Program Returns

A New Way to Serve

When you sit down to have a conversation with the emergency department volunteers at Beaufort Memorial, you’ll find that they share something in common — they’ve played some role in health care in the past.

Many are also retired, and volunteering provides them with an opportunity to continue having a positive impact on patients without the strain of a 9-to-5 job. ED Ambassadors certainly make an impact, providing patients and their loved ones with reassurance and comfort in a time of need.

“What I enjoy most is the people,” says Sharon Kellogg, a retired nurse and current ED Ambassador. “I wanted something that would involve me working with people while also using my medical knowledge. I have always thought of myself as a patient advocate, so this is the perfect match for me.”

A desire to keep serving patients also brought Terry Wade to Beaufort Memorial. With a degree in speech pathology, she had a background in health care, and she’d already found a passion for volunteering by serving as a volunteer paramedic with Beaufort County for many years.

“I wanted to be able to still give,” Terry says. “I can’t climb on an ambulance anymore, but I can use my communication and medical skills in a way that fulfills me and hopefully fulfills what Beaufort Memorial wants.”

With 44 years of working in the health care field, Paul Webb knew he wanted to give back by calming the minds and spirits of patients and their families. Serving as an ED Ambassador allows him to do that.

“I’m just trying to put people more at ease,” Paul says. “People in the ED are very anxious. I hope that I can decrease those anxieties by keeping them comfortable. The waiting is very difficult. As volunteers, we hope we can allay some of that anxiety and frustration.”

His efforts do not go unnoticed.

“Paul was such an incredible help when we came to the emergency center,” one recent patient recalls. “Not only did Paul help us with a wheelchair, registering, sitting, a quick hand with a bag in case of an upset stomach, but he helped everyone! Paul was gentle and compassionate with people who were confused and upset. With a gentle pat and kind encouraging word, Paul helped all!”

Read More: For Hospital Patients, These Furry Visitors Are Definitely Allowed

Making an Impact

The ED Ambassadors and other volunteers at Beaufort Memorial share a desire to give back to the community. They’ll gladly tell you all about the blessings they gain from volunteering, but the blessings they’re providing are even more significant.

“Our ED Ambassadors have contributed so much positivity to the department,” says Summer Cook, assistant director of the Pratt Emergency Center. “Often, they are the first people our patients meet. Their welcoming presence, compassionate attitude and genuine care for each person who comes through the door are appreciated more than they know. They are valuable members of our team, and we are grateful for them.”

While we love our team of volunteers, we’re always looking to grow and add new volunteers. Wondering whether you’d be the right fit? Fredericka “Freddie” Armstrong, a retiree with a background in health care and social work and a current ED Ambassador, shares some words of wisdom.

“First of all, you have to have it within your heart that you want to volunteer in the hospital,” Freddie says. “To me, it’s a calling. Health care has always been in my heart, and I’ve always wanted to do it. Volunteers who come here to work must have a calling to help others.”

We’re always looking for new volunteers at Beaufort Memorial! Get all the details about how to volunteer, including the volunteer application you’ll need to get started.