The volunteers work closely with hospital staff to ensure patients feel seen and secure, but they do not provide medical care and do not replace cleaning personnel. They relieve staff by keeping examination rooms and stretchers fresh between patients, and they always operate in pairs during their assignments. The program has received many grateful comments from both patients and emergency department staff.
The volunteers help with tasks care staff often lack time for during high inflow periods, and it functions very well. They create security, especially for elderly patients who may feel scared and insecure, while also relieving staff. The exact number of active Red Cross volunteers at the Varberg Hospital emergency department is not specified, and details on their specific training or qualifications remain unclear.
Additionally, it is unknown if there are plans to expand the program to other hospitals or times, or how it is funded and coordinated between the Red Cross and the hospital. The measurable impact on patient wait times or satisfaction has not been disclosed.