HEART Support Australia (HSA) conducted a two-day hospital volunteer training course at the Westside Hotel over the weekend.
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One of the national directors of HSA Robert Edwards said the training was specifically designed for previous sufferers of heart conditions.
"We want the trainees to be able to share their own experiences with those who are recovering in hospital," Mr Edwards said.
"This program is all about support and encouragement, while providing the relevant information."
Mr Edwards said there was a strong emphasis placed on allowing the patient to find common ground with the volunteer.
"We want to give them a break from all the medical terms that may be thrown at them in their stay at hospital."
Diagnosed with his own heart condition in 2001, Mr Edwards said it is important for the patient to hear the volunteer's stories and understand that life was there to be enjoyed, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter.
"We've all been there with our own heart issues," he said.
"If someone's lying in a hospital bed, having just learnt they suffer a heart condition, the last thing they want is more medical talk going straight over their heads."
"All the volunteers here will be HSA accredited from their training."
"They will have learnt how to reduce the tension and to offer some kind of reassurance," he said.
"It's a supportive and positive motivational role."