The event was opened by the Liepaja Hospital management: board members Andris Vistiņš, Andris Platais and medical director Arta Gertnere, who presented the hospital's goals and vision of cooperation. Afterwards, Marika Jelsmane, Head Nurse of the Chemotherapy, Haematology and Palliative Care Unit, shared her daily work experience and challenges, and outlined the support she expects from volunteers in the future. Representatives of Hospiss LV told about their projects and goals, and at the end of the event, Hospiss LV representatives went to the patients of the Chemotherapy and Haematology Department to cheer them up with a small treat and have a chat.
The author of this initiative, psycho-emotional health coordinator Ilze Jēče, admits that when she started working at Liepāja Regional Hospital, one of her ideas was to develop volunteer work. "More than five years ago, I was actively involved in promoting volunteering in Latvia, working with various non-governmental organisations. At that time, volunteering was still in its infancy," she says. "Now I can say that the initiative has grown to a point where society can clearly see the value of volunteering - people are more and more willing to come and get involved."
Ilze emphasises that she has seen both the willingness of the community to get involved and the hospital's need for such support. "It is also important for the hospital itself - volunteers can relieve the work of the medical staff, especially on an emotional level. But it is also important for the volunteers themselves. In these difficult times, the opportunity to help others gives meaning and strengthens both individuals and society as a whole."
"Thanks to volunteers and donors, at least once a week, joy and positive emotions will be brought to the wards where seriously ill people are, making their stay in hospital more pleasant. With every conversation, the feeling of loneliness is reduced and we can give patients the chance to think for a moment about something other than their diagnosis and pain. We are really happy that we can make this initiative more and more widespread and that there are so many bright, kind and warm people willing to volunteer," explains Sintija Reinberga, Hospiss LV Volunteer Coordinator.
Volunteers are selected in several stages, starting with a motivation application and an individual interview. Special care is taken to ensure that volunteers understand the ethical principles of the project - volunteers do not give spiritual advice or personal teaching, but refer patients' spiritual questions to the hospital chaplain or other spiritual specialist if necessary.
This event marks the beginning of a new collaboration at Liepaja Regional Hospital, where together we are creating an environment that provides both professional and human support to every patient.
