Meeter and greeter Patrick helps others

Meeter and greeter Patrick helps others

21 February 2024

DOWNE Hospital meeter and greeter Patrick Majorczyk loves his role guiding patients to various facilities at the Struell Road complex.

The sixth form student volunteers weekly at the Downpatrick hospital and says it not only provides him with a sense of purpose and achievement, it’s also a “selfless gesture and an investment in personal fulfilment” and provides an opportunity to give something back to the local community. 

Last week marked student volunteering week and provided an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions young volunteers make every day across hospitals and community facilities in the South Eastern Trust.

But being a meeter and greeter for Patrick is more than showing patients and visitors around the hospital.

He said it is about extending warmth and assistance, along with a strong desire to support and help those most in need.

“As a meeter and greeter, I help visitors and patients find their way to wards and departments in the hospital and greet them with a warm welcome,” the Dromore student explained.

“As a current student, my passion and motivation to pursue a medical degree have come from my desire to serve and support my local community.”

Patrick said that through volunteering, he is able to meet a diverse range of people as well as developing his communication and critical thinking skills.  

“I can support areas that align with my values and work towards making a difference in the health care profession,” he added.

Highlighting the valuable work young volunteers undertake, the health trust’s volunteer services manager, Sonya Duffy, said younger volunteers are “truly inspiring individuals”.

She continued: “They sometimes do not realise just how brilliant they are.  

“We see our younger volunteers flourish through their volunteer journey within the Trust and, very quickly, with support and encouragement from staff, they build confidence, gain new skills and recognise their abilities.”

The health trust official said it is lovely to watch young volunteers become stronger individuals and reach their goals.

She added: “Volunteers make a positive impact and improve the experience of patients in our hospitals and community facilities. Volunteering is much more than lending a helping hand, it is a gateway for young individuals to experience new opportunities.”

Through his volunteer journey, Patrick has developed his skills and discovered his strengths and passions, laying a solid foundation for his future career pathway and there a range volunteering opportunities available within the Downe Hospital. 

Anyone over 16 interested in a volunteering role is asked to visit volunteer@setrust.hscni.net or visiting www.setrust.hscni.net/getinvolved/volunteering