Man's triple heart bypass inspires voluntary role

A former heart patient who underwent life-saving treatment has returned to the same hospital ward that cared for him as a volunteer to support other patients.

Steve Rapacz, 70, from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, had a triple bypass operation and later received a pacemaker at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital.

Inspired by the care he received, he recently joined the volunteer team on Ward B8, after securing one of 47 places from more than 300 applicants, a trust spokesperson said.

Rapacz, who had already returned to the ward every Christmas with gifts to thank staff, said he was happy to be able to give back and to "help put people at ease or cheer them up".

"Seeing both sides of being a patient and working alongside the healthcare staff is so humbling," he said.

"It's lovely to talk to people and help put them at ease, especially as I have personally been through what many of them are going through."

Rapacz, who has now completed three volunteer shifts, said he believed it "really does make a difference".

He hoped his story would encourage others to also consider volunteering within their local NHS.

"I retired at 66 and never imagined I'd be doing this. I always thought I'd spend my spare time on my hobbies, photography and sport, but going through treatment in hospital changes your perspective," Rapacz added.

"I'm happy to be able to give back, share my experiences and help put people at ease or cheer them up. I absolutely love it."

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