Former heart patient gives back as hospital volunteer

Steve Rapacz (third from left)

A former heart patient who underwent life-saving treatment is now giving back to the ward that cared for him by volunteering to support patients and staff.

Steve Rapacz, 70, recently joined the volunteer team on Ward B8 at Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital after successfully securing one of just 47 places from more than 300 applicants.

Steve first came to the ward as a patient, where he underwent a triple bypass operation and later received a pacemaker.

Grateful for the care he received, he returned each Christmas with gifts for staff to thank them for their support.

It was during one of these visits that staff suggested he consider becoming a volunteer himself.

Having now completed three volunteer shifts, Steve, from Kidderminster, says the experience has given him a different perspective on hospital life.

This week he joined other volunteers for a celebration party to mark Volunteers’ Week.

He said: “Seeing both sides of being a patient and working alongside the healthcare staff is so humbling.

“It’s lovely to talk to people and help put them at ease, especially as I have personally been through what many of them are going through.

“It’s so interesting to be able to see both sides, having experienced being a patient and now seeing all of the hard work and commitment from staff.

“I retired at 66 and never imagined I’d be doing this. I always thought I’d spend my spare time on my hobbies, photography and sport, but going through treatment in hospital changes your perspective.

“I’m happy to be able to give back, share my experiences and help put people at ease or cheer them up. I absolutely love it.

“The staff are great caregivers, but pressures mean they don’t always have the time to do everything they want to do. That’s where I come in, and I believe it really does make a difference. If you can give somebody some reassurance or help them in any way when they are in hospital, it means a lot.”

Garry Perry, Associate Director Patient Voice (Experience), said: “Our volunteers are the golden thread running through all we do, bringing invaluable lived experience that shapes both staff and patient experience. As Steve’s story shows, their impact is profound—not only on others, but on themselves too.”

Steve hopes his story will encourage others to consider volunteering and experience the rewards of giving back to their local NHS.