The event saw volunteers presented with long service awards by Interim Chief Nurse, Dawn Collins, before enjoying tea, cake and refreshments together as a special thank you for the time and dedication they give to supporting patients, visitors and staff.
The celebration was made possible thanks to the support of Smile Publications, a hospital volunteer magazine publishing company, and Knight’s Hill Hotel. Together, the volunteers receiving long service awards at today’s event have contributed an incredible 35 years of service to the hospital.
The QEH volunteers play a vital role across the Trust, providing a warm welcome to patients and visitors, supporting reception areas, helping ward teams, running errands, assisting with appointments, driving patient buggies and offering companionship to patients during their time in hospital.
Michelle Arrowsmith, Executive Managing Director at The QEH, said: “I am truly thankful to every single one of our 187 volunteers. From when you first arrive you will most likely meet one of our volunteers either driving the buggies or at reception, fixing children’s toys, supporting ward staff with collecting prescriptions, reminding patients about appointments and keeping patients company with a chat and a cup of tea.
“What they give goes far beyond their time – they bring a warm and reassuring welcome, comfort for patients and their families in difficult moments and companionship during treatment.
“They are a vital part of our hospital community, quietly improving patient experiences through simple acts of kindness. We simply could not do what we do without them, I am endlessly grateful for everything they do.”
Dawn Collins, Interim Chief Nurse at The QEH, said: “Our volunteers make a remarkable difference every day. Whether they are helping someone find their way around the hospital, supporting our clinical teams or simply taking the time to sit and chat with a patient, their kindness and compassion have a real impact on the experience people have at The QEH.
“It was a privilege to personally thank those receiving long service awards and to celebrate the contribution all of our volunteers make to our hospital community.”
Jo Rowe, Voluntary Services Manager at The QEH, said: “Volunteers are at the heart of so many services across our Trust and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and caring group of people giving their time to support others.
“Volunteers’ Week is the perfect opportunity to recognise everything they do and to thank them for the difference they make to patients, visitors and staff every single day. We hope today’s event helped our volunteers feel valued, appreciated and proud of the contribution they make.”
Geoff Cameron, who was recognised for 15 years of volunteering service, said: “I was inspired to start volunteering because of the wonderful care my first wife received during her cancer treatment. After she passed away in 2010, I began volunteering the following year – fifteen years later, I’m still here because I’ve loved every minute of it.”
Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
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