Stamford Health is thankful for the many volunteers that make a difference at the hospital every day. Our staff ensures that our volunteers are well-matched and well-recognized for their individual strengths and talents, with a fit for everyone — from teenagers to adults! Today, we're spotlighting Deborah Spears, who volunteers in Stamford Hospital.
“Deborah Spears has been a foundational member of the Discharge Suite (where patients wait for their ride home) since its inception over a year ago,” said Kelly Maggiotto, a registered nurse and lead supervisor of the Discharge Suite. “She has played a key role in establishing its core processes. Initially, when the Suite opened, about 12 patients would use it a week. Now, it has grown to over 50 patients a week. Deborah has helped the Discharge Suite grow into what it has become.”
Deborah has experience working in customer service, and her skill and expertise shines in Stamford Health’s Discharge Suite.
“She understands that when patients are leaving, that this is our last chance to give them the best experience ever,” Kelly said. “Deborah always has a smile on her face. She welcomes every patient that comes to the suite and asks them about their stay. She congratulates every new mom who is leaving with their newborn. When patients have a lot to carry, she always helps them carry their bags to the car. She is proactive and anticipates a patient’s needs.”
Hear more from Deborah in her own words below. We hope her story may inspire you to volunteer; you can learn more about our volunteer opportunities here.
I greet patients as they arrive, show them how to use the TV, offer them snacks if they’re feeling hungry. I show them where the restroom is. In general, I keep them company.
I also answer the phone and help people picking up a patient understand where to go if they’re lost.
I live in Stamford and I wanted to find a way to give back to my community. A couple of people I know work here at the hospital, and they suggested I look into the opportunity.
I’m a people person! I like interacting with the patients and being the last smiling face that they see before they return home.
“Deborah Spears has been a foundational member of the Discharge Suite (where patients wait for their ride home) since its inception over a year ago,” said Kelly Maggiotto, a registered nurse and lead supervisor of the Discharge Suite. “She has played a key role in establishing its core processes. Initially, when the Suite opened, about 12 patients would use it a week. Now, it has grown to over 50 patients a week. Deborah has helped the Discharge Suite grow into what it has become.”
Deborah has experience working in customer service, and her skill and expertise shines in Stamford Health’s Discharge Suite.
“She understands that when patients are leaving, that this is our last chance to give them the best experience ever,” Kelly said. “Deborah always has a smile on her face. She welcomes every patient that comes to the suite and asks them about their stay. She congratulates every new mom who is leaving with their newborn. When patients have a lot to carry, she always helps them carry their bags to the car. She is proactive and anticipates a patient’s needs.”
Hear more from Deborah in her own words below. We hope her story may inspire you to volunteer; you can learn more about our volunteer opportunities here.
Thank you for all the work you do for Stamford Health! Tell us about your volunteer work.
I assist the employees and patients in the Discharge Suite. I make sure Stamford Health patients are comfortable while they wait for a friend or family member to pick them up. When their ride arrives, I assist them to their car. I started volunteering at Stamford Health when they started the Discharge Suite about a year ago.What do you typically do on your shifts?
I volunteer a few days a week from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. I don’t leave until the last patient leaves.I greet patients as they arrive, show them how to use the TV, offer them snacks if they’re feeling hungry. I show them where the restroom is. In general, I keep them company.
I also answer the phone and help people picking up a patient understand where to go if they’re lost.
Why did you become a volunteer?
I worked at Westchester County Airport for 25 years as a customer service representative. I retired in 2014 and spent a lot of time with my great grandchildren. Now that they’ve moved away – I needed something to do!I live in Stamford and I wanted to find a way to give back to my community. A couple of people I know work here at the hospital, and they suggested I look into the opportunity.
I’m a people person! I like interacting with the patients and being the last smiling face that they see before they return home.
