Johnson Community Hospital in Spalding area welcomes first Lincolnshire NHS volunteer to new career programme
A woman who had to flee from a war torn country has taken on a new role after wanting to give something back to her adopted community.
Elena Orlova, 33, has been volunteering at the Johnson Hospital and is now able to turn that work into a career, marking a positive end to a tumultuous story for her.
Elena and her family had to flee from Ashgabat in Turkmenistan, which neighbours Afghanistan and Iran, due to a period of conflict in the early 1990s.
During this difficult time Elena explained how her family grew stronger together and refused to let this break them. The family sought refuge in Russia for safety in the middle of winter with no job, money, food or belongings.
After settling in and growing up in the country, Elena married her husband and they had their own family. Her husband received a job opportunity in England which led them to live in Lincolnshire.
However, just two months after arriving in the county, the pandemic hit the UK and everyone was required to quarantine.
Throughout this isolating period of being at home for two years, Elena was determined to become an active and valuable member of the community as she wanted to give something back.
In July 2023, Elena started volunteering on the Welland Ward at the Johnson Hospital in Pinchbeck, through the Volunteer to Career programme.
After experiencing life on the ward, Elena decided to put herself forward for a Healthcare Support Worker role and was later successful and got the job.
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Elena said: “Volunteering has been life changing, my life is now completely different. I was uncertain about my future, but now I am confident in my chosen path. I feel that this is what I am supposed to be doing and I am so pleased that I will be able to do this as my job.
“Throughout my experience as a volunteer, I have had the honour of supporting different aspects of patient care such as monitoring their health, maintaining records, assisting with ward activities, and advocating for patients.
“My time here has allowed me to develop my skills and knowledge and I am so pleased that I have been given the opportunity to do this.”
Jayne Negus, who is the Lincolnshire Community Health Service Volunteering Services Manager, said: “I am delighted that we were able to support Elena on her journey. I am beyond happy that she has been successful in this role. Elena has come so far in the short time she has been volunteering and this is just the start for her.”
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