Craig Mitchell started volunteering at the Brant Community Healthcare System in the summer of 2020. “I felt like I had to do something about the pandemic and as soon as volunteers were able to be back in the hospital, I began working at the visitor’s support kiosk alongside medical screeners.” Craig’s volunteer placement through the BCHS Volunteer Association has since grown to include an evening shift once weekly at each of the Emergency Department (ED) at the Brantford General Hospital and the Urgent Care at the Willett, Paris.
“I’ve always been volunteering in some way” says Craig, “whether it was the social club at work, or involvement with the Lion’s Club. I’m getting to the age where I’m more interested in medical care and I’m approaching retirement. I believe you need something to retire ‘to’, not ‘from’ and I can’t think of a better way to help my community. The BCHS Volunteer Association has 268 volunteers that come from every walk of life and can handle a lot of tasks that do not require medical training, supporting hospital staff and freeing up resources.”
The tasks Craig assists with in the ED and at the Willett are varied – from stocking supplies, making up stretchers and beds, and directing and transporting patients. “What I enjoy most is the interaction with patients and staff and I get a lot of this, especially at the Willet. After patients have been triaged, I move them into the appropriate examination room, transport them to imaging if needed, and keep them updated as to when they might be seen by a physician.”
Thank you to the many volunteers who give back in so many ways every day at the BCHS! Interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at the Brant Community Healthcare System? Visit the BCHS Volunteer Association webpage to learn more at bchsys.org/volunteer
When asked why the ED at the Brantford General Hospital and the Urgent Care at the Willett are so important for our community, Craig explains, “It seems like a lot of people either don’t have a family doctor or cannot get a timely appointment. Urgent Care at the Willett can sometimes see 100 or more patients in a day, and it is open evenings and weekends. The ED is open 24/7 for those in need of medical care”.
Craig understands the importance of investment in redeveloping these critical spaces and purchasing new patient equipment, noting “the Volunteer Association is involved in fundraising to support the BCHS Foundation and we hold BBQs, draws and events to contribute to the top priority needs. The Emergency Department redevelopment will increase size and definitely help with crowding and overflow, and the project provides the opportunity to improve patient flow and general efficiency by designing for today’s issues and technology”.
