"i Want To Give Something Back" To The Nhs

[10ClarionSt]

This has been a feature on Radio 5 Live this morning. People volunteering to work in hospitals to "give something back" after having had treatment themselves. I don't understand what they want to give back. If you're someone like me who's been taxed up to the eyeballs all your life, I wouldn't feel obliged to "give something back". We're most heavily taxed country on the planet. Give something back my armpit!

[Sqad]

You have my support Clarion, in my opinion they would just get in the way.
Ir's not about hospitals or gratitude it is just about the person him/herself. Certain types of people, usually women, like to feel that they are the pillars of society, nice, reliable understanding people who give their opinions and time , free of charge. it sort of makes them feel wanted...needed...appreciated and applauded in an effort to justify their existence. We see them in real life and on the internet.

[waterboatman]

Very well put sqad!

[douglas9401]

I find a 'thank you' works just fine.

[ummmm]

When my dad was in a hospice a lot of the staff were volunteers. They were excellent. All female, and I'm assuming they didn't need paid work but wanted to care for people. They're invaluable.

[-Talbot-]

We're most heavily taxed country on the planet.



I don't think so.

[naomi24]

Ummmm, hospices are usually charitable institutions not wholly funded by government, but by donations. You're right though. Hospices do depend heavily on volunteer workers.

I would be happy to help out in a hospital.

[ummmm]

Ireland might have changed but it was 35%.

[jno]

volunteers help out in our local hospital, just greeting people and giving directions mostly. I dare say most of their work could be done by proper signage, but it is a labyrinth, so I've asked them for help many times.

[ummmm]

Yes, Naomi, there are lots of charity events for this hospice.

I think if anyone has had to deal with a loved one dying of cancer it does inspire some to want to help.

The man in the next bed to my dad didn't have any visitors. That's so sad.

[naomi24]

Hospices do fantastic work - I can't praise them enough - but I think the point being made here is that we have, through our taxes, paid heavily for the NHS so why should we be asked to give our time too?

[ummmm]

I couldn't do it. I admire the people who can.

I looked after my uncle when he was ill, I couldn't do it for a stranger. I wish I could.

[anneasquith]

No one should feel the need to repay the nhs , volunteers do a great job in many hospitals ( some unseen) You could leave you organs when you die though )

[anneasquith]

WBM. Do you not already do voluntary work ?

[woofgang]

I agree with Sqad that it is more about the people who volunteer.....as someone who has worked with and liaised with hospital volunteer services and Leagues of Friends, while many of them are good people doing a good job, many are not and cause more problems than they fix.

[anneasquith]

I'm surprised to hear of your experience woof, my experience is that the majority male/female can be a great asset .

[jennyjoan]

"paid heavily for the NHS so why should we be asked to give our time too? " - nobody is being asked if it is voluntary.

My hairdresser volunteers to cut hair on a Wednesday - she loves it and the patients enjoy being pampered.

She said there are a lot of volunteers and they are invaluable. I considered it too but it would be too emotional for me.

[jennyjoan]

^^^^ sorry meant to say hospice

[naomi24]

// nobody is being asked if it is voluntary. //

I can't spot your logic there. Organisation that use volunteers usually ask for volunteers. No one is obliged to offer their services though.

[jno]

only the 21st most heavily taxed, it seems. Must do better!

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/countries-with-the-highest-taxes-in-the-world.html

(Actually, that's just income tax, there are others.)

[woofgang]

anneasquith, were/are you involved in management liaison with them?