World Day of the Sick is on Tuesday (11 February) and coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. We spoke to Scott Johnston, 52, a volunteer nurse on this year’s Archdiocesan Lourdes pilgrimage, to find out more about the brilliant care and support that the sick and infirm assisted pilgrims receive.

What is the main role of a volunteer nurse in Lourdes?
Pilgrimage nurses undertake a variety of roles across the year. All of our team are primarily focused on providing 24-hour nursing care whilst we are in Lourdes. We are also involved in meeting with assisted pilgrims and their families before travelling to discuss care needs and how this will be provided in the St Frai (the accommodation for assisted pilgrims). The Nursing Team deliver training sessions to support existing and new volunteers. I usually travel independently to Lourdes and help to set up our section of the St Frai before our pilgrimage group arrive. I then provide nursing care to pilgrims during the pilgrimage.

What is the best part of being a volunteer nurse?
I really enjoy being able to spend time with the assisted pilgrims and the other volunteers. As a pilgrimage nurse I also participate in all the masses and activities during the week. Lourdes allows me to use my clinical nursing skills in a way that I no longer do regularly in my day job in the NHS (National Maternity Improvement Advisor).

And the most challenging?
The week is very tiring, but it is also very enjoyable, so that makes up for it!

What kind of professional care do assisted pilgrims get?
The care we provide varies depending on the need of the pilgrim. This can include personal care, medication administration and assisting with eating and drinking. The nursing team are also responsible for dealing with any emergency situations that may occur (this is not very often).

From your experience, what parts of the pilgrimage do assisted pilgrims enjoy the most?
When I speak with pilgrims, they all speak of the spiritual side of Lourdes, the activities and the companionship as the parts they enjoy the most.

What support do volunteer nurses get in their role?
We have preparation meetings and training sessions. As a team we are very conscious of the variety of skills that we all have and we work very closely to support each other before and during the pilgrimage.

What feedback have you had from the families of assisted pilgrims about their experience in Lourdes?
 The feedback from families that I have had is very positive. Many families end up joining the pilgrimage in future years!

How do I find out more about this year’s pilgrimage?
Go to the www.edinburgh-lourdes.com which has all the info on this year’s pilgrimage.

Update: The Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2025 is now fully booked. www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/lourdes25