Their care makes the hospital stay easier for many patients. They bring calm and time to spare, listen to patients, or run errands: the women of the volunteer group at the GPR in Rüsselsheim, also known as the “Beige Ladies” because of the color of their scrubs. When needed, they offer empathy, warmth, and discretion, even during many conversations. And they even maintain a small clothing closet stocked with essentials for patients who, for example, were admitted in an emergency with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

A listening ear and absolute confidentiality

The women make their rounds in the early morning and offer assistance, especially in cases where family members do not visit or do so only rarely. And as listeners and conversation partners, they lend an ear to many concerns. “Patients can trust us completely, because like all staff at the hospital, we are bound by absolute confidentiality,” they assure us. Any medical matters are generally excluded, as these are “naturally and without restriction” reserved for trained medical staff, as the women firmly explain. The volunteer group avoids discussions about ideological or religious topics on its own initiative. If, however, it is the patient’s express wish, the women will arrange a conversation with a chaplain, for example.

One shift per week

The women each have a fixed morning shift once a week between Monday and Thursday, during which they oversee their assigned area. On those days, they are also reachable from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. from their respective wards via the “pager” with the number 553. And to exchange ideas and coordinate with one another, they meet regularly on the first Thursday of the month in the afternoon in the hospital’s conference room. In addition, there are occasional opportunities to foster community and socializing, such as the annual day trip to attractive destinations.

Contact

A recurring theme for the group is finding new volunteers. What qualities should you bring if you’d like to get involved with the group? “Empathy and compassion,” they say, “the ability to listen and simply have an eye for where help is needed, as well as being able to walk well.” Anyone who has time to volunteer one morning a week is welcome to contact Renate Kupfer at 06142-21848.