A FORMER nurse and midwife who moved to Inverclyde during the pandemic says a volunteering scheme at IRH helped her settle.

Lynne Nott relocated to Wemyss Bay from Aberdeen, just as lockdown restrictions were put in place and admits it was a huge adjustment after moving 180 miles from home with husband Richard.

But through volunteering at Inverclyde Royal, Lynne was able to meet new people and support her new community at the most difficult of times.

Lynne said: “During the pandemic, I wanted to help in any way I could.

"My registration had expired years ago and I didn’t know how quickly I would be able to re-register to be able to join the wards again, so I decided to apply to become a volunteer.

“I started with the Give and Go team, which was vital at that stage of the pandemic as people were unable to visit loved ones in hospital.

"It was good to be able to support families in this way as it meant, while they couldn’t actually visit people, they knew things from home were getting to them.

“I have been able to get to know staff, fellow volunteers and even some of the patients at the IRH and I must say you got the sense of community around the hospital quite quickly.

“The staff and volunteers are so supportive and I’m really enjoying the experience.”

Lynne, who is originally from Kilbirnie, did her general nurse training in Glasgow before heading to Paisley to study to become a midwife in 1980.

During a career of more than 30 years, she worked in Kent and Surrey, before heading to the Granite City until she and Richard made the decision to retire on the west coast.

While locations changed, Lynne’s love of people remained, a quality she brings to her role with the IRH team each day.

Lynne, who now volunteers as a 'wayfinder' at the hospital, said: “I like to talk so I think I’m well suited to chat away to the community and help them find where they need to go.

“Richard is really into boats and sailing, so when we decided to retire I wanted to come back to the west coast.

"We’re both really enjoying it in Inverclyde, the people are friendly and having the volunteer role has been great.”

Harry Balch, volunteer manager at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, said: “You can see the smiles Lynne brings to the IRH, even through the masks.

"We are all so pleased she is part of our wonderful team of volunteers who do so much for the community of Inverclyde and beyond.

“At such a time of worry and uncertainty for everyone, Lynne provided so much support to our patients and their families and I can’t thank her enough for her enthusiasm and commitment to helping others.”

*If you are interested in joining the IRH volunteer team visit www.nhsggc.scot/staff-recruitment/volunteering/become-a-volunteer/