Around 40,000 Erfurt residents are active on a voluntary basis. To honor their commitment, the “Heroes of the Month” are chosen. Kerstin Tannus and Norbert Reinelt can currently be seen on the large billboards in the city area. As volunteer patient companions at the Catholic Hospital and the Helios Clinic, they work for the well-being of others.

The tasks of a patient companion are very diverse - being open to the patients' problems, concerns, wishes and needs is the top priority. Practical things such as running small errands or helping with walks are just as much part of the job profile as listening attentively or even just sharing silence with patients.

After working as a teacher, Kerstin Tannus found a new challenge as a volunteer patient companion. She works around three hours a week as a so-called “Green Lady” in the Helios Hospital. “I learned that it makes no sense to come with ideas. Every patient is different and needs something different,” she explains. It is particularly important for young patients that they feel understood and welcome. “I try to distract them and keep them busy so that they don’t suffer too much from the new environment,” says the volunteer.

Norbert Reinelt works as a volunteer patient companion at the Catholic Hospital (KKH). The former Bundeswehr soldier was looking for a fulfilling job after his retirement. “After just an hour, most patients are just grateful. These little things make me happy, even if I have to be careful not to take one or two home with me,” says Reinelt. “It is important that patients don’t just talk about their illnesses – distraction is very important,” he emphasizes. And adds: “Sometimes it’s just important that someone is there to listen to you.” He often looks after one or two patients per shift, usually after difficult operations or cancer diagnoses.

Anyone who is reliable, open, willing to talk and yet secretive, enjoys dealing with other people, has empathy and patience and is sensitive to the hectic everyday life in the hospital is suitable for this trusting job.

Source: Press releases from the state capital Erfurt