This is part of a series of stories profiling members of the Niagara Health team and the work they are doing as part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meet Volunteer John Meguerian.
As a volunteer with Niagara Health, John Meguerian is lending his skills in planning the future South Niagara Site.
John began volunteering with Niagara Health in 2015, shortly after retiring from a career in engineering. While volunteering at the Welcome Desk and in Diagnostic Imaging, John has heard from patients and their family members regarding opportunities to improve aspects of their hospital experience.
“I retired in 2014 and tried to figure out what to do,” says John. “I wanted to volunteer but didn’t know where; that’s when I contacted Niagara Health.”
Currently, John volunteers once a week at the St. Catharines Site welcome desk, attending to wheelchairs, cleaning and sanitizing and helping people get to their appointment.
“I really enjoy interacting with people, helping them, and trying to make their lives a bit easier,” says John.
Aside from Niagara Health, John has plenty of experience volunteering. With roles at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, adult community centres, and boards and committees related to older adult wellness and learning, John strives to make a difference in his community.
Combining his experience as a volunteer, and his background in engineering, John knew he wanted to be involved with Niagara Health even further. John became part of the South Niagara Project Wayfinding Committee for the planning of the South Niagara Site and dedicates his time and input through meetings and workshops.
“Movement throughout the hospital and signage can impact patients who are already stressed and anxious,” says John. “It’s important for things to go as smoothly as possible, particularly when it comes to wayfinding.”
John has been able to bring his background to the table when it comes to the design of the new hospital, and finds his input to be very meaningful. “Once the design of the new hospital is finalized, I’m looking forward to seeing how I’ve contributed.”
