Make a difference in a patient’s day: Volunteers needed for University Hospital’s Care Ambassadors program

To help boost morale for patients, University Hospital employees created the Care Ambassadors program as a way for non-clinical staff to visit patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The novel coronavirus has created restrictions for visitors at all state healthcare facilities, including USA Health hospitals. Visitors and caregivers are not allowed to see patients, except in rare circumstances.

Here’s how the Care Ambassadors program works: Staff will visit patients for 45 minutes to an hour, said Kimberly Waren, director of patient relations with USA Health. Before visits, patients will be vetted through nurse management on each floor. Patients in isolation will not be able to receive in-person visits, though virtual visits will be offered.

Volunteers will receive training, including education on infection prevention.

The idea for the program came from Gayle Carter, who works in the University Hospital Transfer Center. According to Waren, Carter recognized the hardships of current visitor restrictions and knew patients were missing their loved ones.

“It was heartbreaking as I watched COVID-19 restrict patients from one caregiver to no caregiver,” said Carter. “I thought of my 85-year-old mother and how tough it would be if I couldn’t be with her.

“One day, I heard a family say the last time they saw their loved one was in an ambulance before they passed away. I thought ‘If I could’ve been there to say goodbye for you, I would have.’ I could be there for the patients, I realized, and be the voice that they may desperately need to hear.”

When the team at University Hospital learned of the idea, they immediately took steps to implement it. “This program can be therapeutic and beneficial for everyone involved. We all know what a simple conversation can do to improve mental wellness, especially during a difficult time,” Waren said. “We hope this program provides comfort to our patients by letting them know USA Health cares about them and their recovery.”

To participate, email your contact information to Kimberly Waren at kweeks@health.southalabama.edu.