Westminster, Md. - A group of retired nurses from Carroll County General Hospital are donating their time as members of a new program being offered to patients at the hospital, called Angel Volunteers. The nurses draw on their health care experience to provide extra support to patients, be it explaining diagnoses, answering questions about procedures or lending an ear to help them better deal with the stress of illness.

The hospital currently has eight nurses who visit patients and families one day a week on the medical-surgical unit. The angel volunteers work closely with nursing staff to identify patients who may benefit from a visit.

"The angel volunteers are there to listen to and comfort patients and families,” said Mary Richards, director of volunteer services at Carroll County General Hospital. "The nurturing characteristic of nurses doesn't go away because they retire, so this is a way for them to utilize their skills and knowledge as a nurse to make the hospital experience more positive for patients."

Though their main function is visiting patients, angel volunteers also assist staff in making sure patients’ needs are met in a timely fashion.

"Sometimes that's simply getting them a blanket or something to drink," said Fran Miller, R.N., who worked at Carroll County General for 40 years. "We get a great sense of satisfaction in knowing that patients appreciate the personal attention they receive from angel volunteers and the time we spend with them."

Founded in 1961, Carroll County General Hospital is a nonprofit, acute care facility offering a continuum of services, including comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and community programs.

###