News

News

Muslim volunteers providing specialist support to patients at our hospitals

Muslim Support Service

muslim support service volunteers

Four volunteers from the Muslim Support Service (MSS) are providing emotional support to patients at both Queen’s and King George hospitals. Our Trust identified a need for more specialist support for Muslim patients – so brought on board volunteers Saima Razzaque, Shamim Merchant, Tabassum Khokhar and Sofia Bhatt (pictured above with Alison Horncastle our Assistant Chaplain).

Already experienced volunteers for the MSS, based at the Gardens of Peace in Hainault, all four were providing support over the phone and face-to-face to those who had experienced a bereavement in the Muslim community.

At the hospitals they provide emotional support to patients, predominantly from the Muslim faith, and their families.

Sofia, 49, of Fernhall Drive, Redbridge, said: “My husband died in 2012 and it was a traumatic time. That made this a cause close to my heart so I wanted to do something.

“It’s very interesting and you hear lots of stories about their lives. I feel privileged that they want to share their stories with me. One elderly man stands out for me, I wasn’t sure if he wanted to chat, but he so appreciated it and said what I was doing was amazing. That really reinforced it for me.”

Tabassum, 47, of Gants Hill, added: “I spoke to one lady with breast cancer and her son said I got more out of her in half an hour than he’d been able to in hours!

“We try to be a friendly face and help to make them feel better. I feel blessed to do it and get real satisfaction from it when I can put a smile on a patient’s face.”

All volunteers are trained to support people dealing with bereavement, although they provide support to all patients at our hospitals, not just those nearing the end of their life.

Our Trust has already had positive feedback from patients, particularly Muslim families who are appreciative of having someone to talk to from their own faith.

Was this page useful?

Was this page useful?
Rating

We've placed cookies on your computer which helps to improve you experience on our website. You can read our cookie policy, otherwise we will assume that you're ok to continue.

Please choose a setting: