No One Dies Alone (NODA) consists of caring volunteers, many of whom double as hospital employees, who generously donate their time and presence to provide bedside companionship to dying patients who would otherwise be alone during the end of their lives. These thoughtful, respectful volunteers are often referred to as the hospital’s “compassionate companions” due to the comfort they bring to patients in their last hours and moments of life.
For the past seven years at Providence St. Peter Hospital — and for more than two years now at Providence Centralia Hospital — dedicated NODA volunteers have brought comfort to dying patients in a variety of ways. Whether holding a patient’s hand (if this is comfortable for the patient), being a peaceful presence, playing soothing music and/or reading books or poetry, volunteers offer calm, kind ways to bring comfort and companionship to dying patients. Read more from Providence here. (Mary Kay Clunies-Ross)
