A volunteer at Ysbyty Gwynedd is now set to pursue career in Midwifery after gaining invaluable experience at the hospital.
Jane Cooper, 40, who became one of the Health Board’s Robin volunteers in October 2018, has praised the volunteer scheme for providing her with a valuable insight into the profession, whilst preparing for her new career. Jane is now looking forward to embarking on a Midwifery course at Bangor University in September.
The friendly Robin has provided support to many new mums on Llifon Ward through spending time having general conversation, preparing hot and cold drinks as well as assisting nursing staff with bed making.
She said: “My main role has involved being a ‘befriender’ to new mums who are brought into the ward before and after they have their children.
“It’s been wonderful to have met so many different mums and also seen them with their new babies.
“I’ve always been interested in becoming a midwife so when I made it through the recruitment process for the Robin volunteer’s scheme I was thrilled to hear I would be placed on Llifon Ward.
“Being part of the team has really developed my communication skills and it has given me an insight into the career I want to pursue, I wouldn’t have had that if I’d not become a volunteer.”
Jane, who is a mum of three, has always dreamt of becoming a midwife and is delighted to have gained valuable insight into the profession through volunteering before beginning her degree course.
“As I have three children I was only ever able to do part time work so when I came across the volunteering scheme I thought what a great way to give something back to the NHS and also to learn off the health professionals on the ward.
“I would encourage anyone who wants to help others or maybe gain further insight into a career they may wish to pursue to apply to become a Robin volunteer. It has been so beneficial to me and I’d like to thank everyone for their support and for making me feel part of the team.”
Jane’s fellow volunteer on Llifon Ward, Sharon Fon-Roberts described her as a ‘great asset’ to the NHS.
She said: “From the moment I met Jane I knew she would be a great asset to the ward and the NHS. During the shadow shifts she was eager to learn from the outset, asked prudent questions, and took on board her responsibilities in a professional manner.
“Jane has a very positive attitude, always has a smile on her face and certainly makes the patients experience a happy one. I am certain she will make a fantastic midwife.”
Nia Lloyd-Roberts, Volunteers Coordinator for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, added: “I am so pleased for Jane that she has been accepted on the Midwifery BM (Hons) at Bangor University.
“Although we will be sad to lose a fantastic Robin volunteer but I know how much she wanted to do midwifery and I think she will make a fantastic midwife.
“I also know Jane feels as though her experience as a Robin volunteer on Llifon Ward has boosted her confidence and has given her invaluable experience amongst midwives and other staff on the unit.
“She has been a committed and reliable volunteer and I wish her all the best in her future.”
BCUHB’s Volunteer’s Manager, Susan Marriott, said she was proud of all the Robins volunteering for the NHS in North Wales.
She added: “We are incredibly proud of Jane and all the Robins, it is a big commitment volunteering as ‘part of the team’ in our hospitals but the rewards can be immense to all!”
For more information about becoming a Robin volunteer visit: www.bcugetinvolved.wales/the-robins
Photos: Robin volunteer, Jane Cooper, who is about to embark on a Midwifery degree at Bangor University and with staff on Llifon Ward where she has been a Robin volunteer since October 2018.
