In the Spotlight - Saira Bano
To mark Volunteers’ Week, Saira Bano is ‘In the Spotlight’ this month. Saira has been a valued volunteer at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board since May 2023. She also works for the Health Board as a Locum Resident Doctor.
Saira started volunteering on the Welcome Team within the concourse and outpatients at University Hospital of Wales. She now welcomes visitors within the Adult Critical Care Unit (CCU) and gives her time to befriending elderly patients on the Gerontology ward. Alongside volunteering, Saira works as a Locum Resident Doctor in Integrated Medicine.
Saira said: “I come from a medical background. I trained as a doctor in Pakistan and after taking a break from clinical work, I wanted to get exposure to healthcare in the NHS. Volunteering was a great way for me to learn more about healthcare in this country while developing my profile for returning to work as a doctor. At first, I saw it as just a chance to learn. But as I spent more time volunteering, it became much more meaningful.
“I’ve really enjoyed all my volunteer roles. I love talking to people and knowing that I’m there to help them, even in small ways, to make their visit to the hospital a little easier.”
Saira’s roles as both a Patient Befriender and a Welcomer require qualities such as compassion, empathy and an ability to remain calm under pressure. “Spending time with patients has helped me grow as a person and it has strengthened my commitment to compassionate care,” said Saira. “I had a life-saving surgery six years ago at Heath Hospital and received exceptional care. Volunteering has also given me a chance to give back a little of that care and kindness.”
As a volunteer, Saira interacts with patients and their families in different ways every day. Sometimes it’s simply guiding someone to a clinic, while other times it can be offering a listening ear to engage in deeper conversation. “In a hospital setting, where many face difficult challenges, offering comfort, a kind word, or simply listening can have a profound impact. It’s not just about physical care; emotional support reminds people they’re not alone,” she explained.
When Saira volunteered within the Gerontology ward, she was seeking more clinical exposure. The support she received from the team in the ward enabled her to secure a clinical attachment. “My supervising consultants gave me ample opportunities and guidance to learn about the system, and this led to my current role as Locum Resident Doctor,” she said.
As well as being a doctor, and volunteering within the hospital, Saira also serves as a School Governor at a local primary school. She said: “As Chair of the Governing Body, I work with a great team to support the school and make sure children get the best chance to learn and grow.” Outside of work, she enjoys travelling and get-togethers with friends and family.
“During my volunteer journey, I have met incredible people, and I am especially grateful to my volunteer colleagues and the team for supporting me so well,” said Saira. “All these experiences have given me a sense of belonging with this health board and I look forward to contributing more both as a doctor and as a volunteer.”
If you’re interested in exploring volunteering opportunities with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, visit the Voluntary Services page or email volunteer.enquiries.cav@wales.nhs.uk
https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/news/latest-news/in-the-spotlight-saira-bano/