Greenwich student brings a smile to patients at King’s College Hospital

07 March 2025 - 18-year-old Phoenix-Tilli Wright-McCall is one of many volunteers helping make life a little easier for King’s patients

Phoenix-Tilli, who lives in Greenwich, said that her experience as a volunteer at King’s College Hospital has inspired her to pursue a career in the NHS. Currently a health and social care student at Lewisham College, Phoenix-Tilli began volunteering at the Trust in October 2024, supporting patients and staff. She explained: “It has honestly been my dream to volunteer at King’s, and when I found out I was successful, I couldn’t believe it. I have ADHD and autism, so I was unsure whether this role would be for me, but the whole team has been so welcoming and I really enjoy my time with the patients.

“I spend my time at King’s helping staff at mealtimes, as well as chatting to patients and finding different ways to brighten up their hospital stay. Being able to bring some festive cheer over Christmas time was brilliant, and it’s a privilege to work alongside so many people who really love what they do.

“I knew before I started volunteering that I wanted to have a career in nursing, but this experience has opened my eyes to all the opportunities there are within the NHS to make a difference to patients’ lives.”

The volunteering programme at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been in place since 2011, supporting more than 1,500 people a year to deliver over 70,000 hours of support to its patients and staff.

Patricia Mecinska, Assistant Director of Patient Experience at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our fantastic volunteers like Phoenix-Tilli are an important part of Team King’s, helping make sure our patients and their families have the best care possible. Phoneix-Tilli’s hard work and compassion for everyone makes such a difference, and we are so grateful that she gives up her time to volunteer each week.”

To find out more about volunteering at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, visit https://www.kch.nhs.uk/about/get-involved/volunteering/