Zia’s story

We're fortunate to have 300+ incredible volunteers, like Zia Prasad, who dedicate time and energy to supporting our patients and visitors. Zia's story captures the essense of volunteering - whether serving tea with a smile, or sharing a laugh at the Info Desk, Zia’s warmth brightens everyone's day.

Here is Zia’s story in her own words

Hi there, I am Zia, a volunteer at Greenlane Clinical Centre. I participate in the Tea Trolley programme and I also volunteer at the Info Desk every Friday. Tea Trolley? Yes folks: Tea trolley.

As we know, on some mornings patients come into the clinic to attend their appointment after rushing through the busy morning traffic and then frantically looking to find a carpark. O yeah that in itself can be devastating. But when I move around the waiting areas with my decorated Tea & Coffee trolley, and I serve them a nice cuppa, it always brings a smile to their face.

For me, it feels so good when I receive a compliment from the heart, "You are such an angel".

Of course I enjoy having a lovely chat with them. For some patients it's something new and they'll say "wow, I haven't had this service before" and then I tell them the reason why we do this. We want to make the patients feel cared for while they are waiting to see their doctor. 

I get to know some of the patients, we share a laugh when they joke: "are the muffins and sandwiches coming too?". I will joke back and respond "my oven blew on me today lol". And oh my goodness, next time we may have a Hennessy (Cognac) with the coffee hahaha. The smiles on their beautiful faces bring me such joy. And the patients are so much better for it! In the afternoon I take a shift at the Info Desk, assisting people to their designated appointment areas. Some patients tell me their stories on their rush to reach the appointment and some share how overwhelmed they are to be there finally.

Every Friday shift is a new experience for me, meeting people from various backgrounds and enjoying the chitchat and laughs and also enjoying the best colleague time. These volunteering roles are a new and welcome experience for me from my already busy week schedule as I'm also studying. It brings peace to my mind. Thank you! I hope to see you around sometime!"

Our volunteers make a real difference every day. Learn how you can get involved here.