A group of young volunteers has completed a programme giving them hands-on experience in hospice care.
Seventeen-year-old Connor was part of the Young Clinical Volunteer (YCV) scheme at St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne.
He said: “Being a YCV was really informative, and it was quite eye-opening.
“I helped patients with small things they couldn’t do for themselves, such as eating and drinking, but I also helped with catheter repositioning and a bladder scan.
“Being a YCV gave me a lot more than I expected.
“I thought maybe I’d sit on a desk and just watch everything, but you get to interact with patients, families, nurses and doctors.
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“I would encourage any young person who’s thinking about applying to go for it. It can be intense sometimes, but also fun and so rewarding.”
The six-month scheme is open to people aged 16 to 24 interested in a career in medicine.
Volunteers complete a weekly four-hour shift and shadow the Inpatient Unit team.
Gillian Laloux, YCV co-ordinator, said: “YCVs become a real part of the team.
“They volunteer closely with patients, doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and other clinical professionals.”
Applications for the next cohort will open soon.