A Hartlepool volunteer is replacing her blue shirt for a clinical uniform – after successfully securing a place into a paid role as a healthcare support worker.
Former volunteer, Mehtap Durmus, has lived in Hartlepool since 2019 and has been volunteering at the University Hospital of Hartlepool for the last four years.
Mehtap originally started volunteering after her English tutor from Stockton Riverside College suggested it would help with her speaking proficiency. It then felt like a natural fit for her to volunteer at the hospital, as she has a background as a nurse and midwife.
Mehtap shared her first days of volunteering: “I started as a welcomer in the main outpatients in Hartlepool with another volunteer Lorna. It was a big learning curve and she and Elaine from my volunteering on ward 40 have been a great – helping me to develop my English and being great friends.
“I love getting to come in and see the patients and to help where I can. And volunteering was invaluable in helping me to be able to find some work in a care home two-days a week – which has helped me to be successful in getting a role as a healthcare support worker.”
Mehtap’s new role as a healthcare support worker will see her supporting patients with physical and social activities, to providing basic health check and delivering everyday support that can make a real difference.
She will also receive on the job training and development, with the opportunity for career progression in the future.
Mehtap added: “Volunteering has been a way for me to do work that is really important to me and makes me happy. Lorna and Elaine have helped me so much during my time volunteering and I’m glad I’ve made such amazing friends.
“But I have a background in nursing and midwifery and it is my dream to work at North Tees hospital and to find my way back into a profession I love.
“I want to build a career in a hospital that has helped me so much – and to get back into a profession that I’m really passionate about. I can’t wait to start in my new role.”
Volunteer with us
To find out more about volunteering at Stockton or Hartlepool, visit our volunteering page.
You can also contact the team on:
- Tel: 01642 383933
- Email: [email protected]