Volunteer escort performs vital role at medical center

CARIBOU — Jim Estey, a volunteer at Cary Medical Center, has brought a new dimension to the hospital. He performs the duties of volunteer escort. This is not a new service in larger hospitals, but for Cary, it is a first.

As a volunteer escort, Estey assists people in locating a specific office or person in the hospital, and has added to his list of activities to lighten the responsibilities of switchboard personnel. He directs visitors to patient rooms and is aware of daily meeting schedules and locations. He assists whenever possible with handicapped patients entering or leaving the hospital, he will deliver packages or flowers to a patient’s room, and he supervises the parking areas for handicapped people.

Estey, born and raised in Fort Fairfield, is well acquainted with the people of Aroostook County. He has worked under contract for the state for more than a decade in vocational rehabilitation and client transport. Estey received his training through Cary Medical Center’s Physical Therapy Department. The nature of vocational rehabilitation and client transport involved transporting disabled and handicapped clients to and from therapy, doctors’ appointments and dental appointments, and personal care for the client.

At the end of 1989, Estey became interested in the volunteer program at Cary. He observed the numerous activities that volunteers performed at the hospital and decided that he would like to join the program. He initially trained for mail delivery and general volunteer activities. After a recent expansion at the hospital, it bcame apparent that the public would benefit through the development of an escort service. Estey volunteered to pioneer the program.

In addition to his volunteer duties and his employment by the state, Estey’s interests are music, including singing and playing several instruments; crafts and church work.

He and his wife, Faye, reside in Caribou.