Positive patient feedback about handholding volunteers

30th March, 2022

One of the ways Friends of Moorfields volunteers improve the patient experience is by giving patients the option to have a volunteer hold their hand during surgery.

Most eye operations are carried out under local anaesthetic which means patients are conscious during the procedure. Friends of Moorfields volunteers can accompany patients into theatre, provide them with reassurance and hold their hand during the operation.

Many patients are anxious and frightened, and some do not have family with them; the volunteers have a vital role to help keep patients calm and make them feel supported and not alone in what can be a stressful experience.

The handholding programme is available at our theatre departments at City Road, and we hope to expand to the network sites soon.

Patients have shared what the handholding volunteers mean to them, here is a selection of the feedback Friends of Moorfields has received so far this year:

“Hand holder helped enormously through a long operation. So thankful for her.”

“To feel the support of the hand holder throughout the operation was a great comfort.  I was very grateful to her.”

“The volunteer lady who held my hand during the surgery made me feel very relaxed and comfortable. My anxiety level went down a lot. Thank you for the support.”

“If I knew you were going to be here today, I would have slept well last night, I hardly did. Thank you, you are my guardian angel”.

“First time operation; could not have done it without the hand holder.  So very grateful to her. Thank you”.

If you would like to volunteer to be a hand-holder, or would like to be supported during your operation please get in touch with us – 0207 251 1240 or email moorfields.freends@nhs.net