Working as a healthcare assistant

Eleni applied to support the NHS when they were advertising for volunteers as part of the national response to Covid-19, where she then received her training and began this new role. Not only is Eleni working on the frontline, caring for patient’s everyday needs and assisting the nurses on both wards and A&E, but she is doing so alongside studying for her final year exams. This level of commitment is remarkable, and as if this story couldn’t get any more heartwarming, Eleni’s home country is Greece, and she tells us: “Instead of flying back home when this pandemic started, I decided to stay. My family of course wanted me to go back, but they have also been very understanding and supportive of my decision to remain here and help.

“During this time, I think it's important that young people step up and help if we are healthy and capable to do so. I absolutely love doing this job, and it’s amazing to have the opportunity to help out during these trying times.”

Despite the job being  intensely emotional and physically demanding, Eleni  encourages her fellow Biomedical Sciences students take up roles such as hers because of how rewarding it has been It is also great work-experience, especially for those seeking a future career in healthcare, which is undoubtedly why we have seen so many of our Surrey students take up the amazing opportunity to volunteer.

It looks like the next generation of healthcare workers will graduate with demonstrable skills, experience and high levels of resilience. We are proud to say that our students will be a great asset to the cause of helping others and saving lives that our current NHS workforce already symbolises.