Dorothy Messenger has been volunteering with KHSC’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for the last seven years. And while being a volunteer in the ICU has its challenges, the 79-year-old says she looks forward to every shift.
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Matthew Manor/KHSC
She’s one of the first people family members interact with when a loved one is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).
Dorothy Messenger may not provide direct patient care, but the volunteer plays a vital role within the care team.
“We act as a liaison between patients, families and hospital staff. Before a family member is allowed to go in through the locked door to visit, we have to go in and check with the nurse to see if they’re busy with that patient.”
Waiting can be the hardest part for some families, minutes can feel like hours. That’s why she makes it her mission to help anyway she can.
“I don’t hesitate to say to a nurse or one of the doctors ‘I know you’re busy but the family is extremely anxious if somebody could just come out and talk to them it would be really helpful.’
“Quite often family members just need to spill everything and sometimes they need a good cry, so I try to be a good listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, metaphorically speaking.”
And her compassion also extends to staff.
“I’m just amazed at how they’re handling such a difficult situation, my heart just goes out to them. Rarely do you see a nurse who gets upset and angry, their compassion still shines through. I try to encourage them and say ‘gosh this is a really hard day for you, but you’re doing such a great job.’
“And they are always saying ‘we are so grateful to you, thank you for your help.’”
Being a volunteer in the ICU has its challenges, but the 79-year-old says she looks forward to every shift.
“I’ve been volunteering for seven years and I love it. It’s just so worthwhile. Every shift I say to myself ‘God help me to be the best I can be today, to whoever needs my help.’”
And if her last name sounds familiar, good eye. Her son is Dr. David Messenger, the head of the Department of Emergency Medicine at KHSC. He also works in the ICU.
“I was a little worried that somebody might associate me with him and that wouldn’t be appropriate, but what mother doesn’t want to see her son in action? I’ve had so many people say ‘you must be Dr. Messenger’s mother’ and ‘your son is so wonderful’, and that makes me feel good, but I have four children that I’m amazingly proud of.”
Gallery
Dorothy Messenger has been volunteering with KHSC’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for the last seven years. And while being a volunteer in the ICU has its challenges, the 79-year-old says she looks forward to every shift.
