‘I’m so glad you called’: CLCH volunteers help communities get vital diabetes care

This International Volunteer Day, we’re celebrating the time and care donated by our volunteers to our communities across London and Hertfordshire. Volunteers working in Barnet, have made a particular difference by supporting patients to get to vital clinical appointments.

Between May 2022 and July 2023, it was revealed that over 20% of patients, and over 24% of BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) patients due to attend clinics or education programmes at CLCH for diabetes management, were missing them.

To get patients the care they require, as well as save clinicians’ valuable time, CLCH volunteers were recruited as reminders earlier this year. During the call to the patient or their relative they would update on the time and location of the appointment, advise on travel to get there, or reschedule if necessary.

John Acheme, CLCH Volunteer, would call patients at the start of the week to let them know that they have an appointment coming up over the following days. He said:

“Helping patients in this way was so rewarding as many patients I called responded with relief saying - ‘I’m so glad you called’.

“Patients have a lot of appointments to coordinate, so a friendly reminder goes a long way to help our communities get the care they need.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the diabetes team, they are very welcoming and appreciative of my support and that of my fellow volunteers.”

Mrs Pusphavati Darji was supported by a volunteer at CLCH earlier this year to attend her appointment following a volunteer’s call to her daughter. Mrs Darji’s daughter has shared her thanks on behalf of her mother:

“The reminder call was helpful as she has got so many appointments.

“The clinician [at the appointment] was fantastic, very caring, considerate, helpful and answered all the questions.”

Anita Parobiec, Diabetes Lead for the North Central Division at CLCH said:

“I am so grateful for the time that our volunteers have donated to support the timely delivery of care to our communities.”