Rockyview Hospital searching for volunteers
Alberta Health Services is looking for more volunteers at Calgary's Rockyview Hospital.
The facility lost a number of part-time helpers over the first few waves of COVID-19 and is now trying to rebuild its network.
"We're looking to expand the pool of volunteers we have," coordinator Alejandra Rojas said. "We have roles for everybody. You don't need to have a medical background, you don't need to know anything about health care, really."
Despite more than 200 people actively giving time to the hospital, it's still trying to fill hundreds of vacant positions.
And there are many options for those Calgarians wanting to pitch in. Clinical roles are available, but so too are spots greeting, conversing and aiding patients.
Those spots are vital to Rockyview's success.
"I get a lot out of it," patient experience volunteer Parker La told CTV News. "I'm in a clinical setting, speaking and interacting with patients one on one, which is really important for their mental health and overall health.
"It's been great."
La is also furthering his career. The positions aren't exclusive to students, but many in school do pitch in at the hospital to get a taste of what a medical career could be like.
La has been at it for eight years, and the patients he interacts with are better off because of his company.
"It's nice just chatting with other people," David Bertram said. "It helps you pass the day."
"It's just really efficient in making them feel more comfortable and making them feel like they have a friend in the hospital," volunteer Anson Chang added.
If you're interested in a part-time position that would include a minimum of three hours a week, learn more on the AHS website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.