THIS VOLUNTEERS’ Week, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is saying thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who play a vital role in supporting patients, visitors and staff across its hospitals every day.
Across Alexandra Hospital, Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre, and Worcestershire Royal Hospital, more than 300 volunteers give their time generously to help services run smoothly and enhance the experience of patients and families.
In the past 12 months alone, volunteers have contributed more than 14,800 hours of support across many areas of the Trust’s hospitals.
To mark the occasion, the Trust is hosting a series of “appreciation stations” across hospital sites, giving staff and patients the opportunity to share thanks and recognise the difference volunteers make every day.
Throughout the week, members of the Trust Board and senior leadership team will take part in the ‘Walk an Hour in a Volunteer’s Shoes’ scheme, spending time shadowing volunteers in a range of roles and gaining first-hand insight into the impact they make.
They will also meet volunteers to thank them in person for their contribution.
Much loved therapy dogs Olive, Bertie, Casper and Aero will also be at Worcestershire Royal Hospital during the week, as part of their regular visits, bringing comfort and reassurance to patients, families and colleagues.
The trained dogs are known for helping to reduce stress and anxiety and are a much-valued presence for patients.
The Trust is keen to welcome more therapy dogs at Alexandra Hospital and is encouraging anyone with a registered therapy dog to consider getting involved and helping to brighten patients’ days.
Volunteers across the Trust support a wide range of services, from welcoming and guiding patients and visitors, to helping behind the scenes in clinical areas.
As demand for volunteering continues to grow, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is introducing new opportunities for people who want to get involved.
The Discharge Response Service is expanding, with new volunteers invited to join the team at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. In this role, volunteers collect medication from the hospital pharmacy and deliver it directly to wards, helping patients leave hospital and return home sooner.
Last year alone, volunteers supported more than 4,000 patients through this service.
The Patient and Public Forum are also looking for new members.
These volunteers work with the Trust to support a journey of continual improvement, bringing a variety of experience including lived, patient, carer, family and friend’s experiences which provides a unique and specific knowledge and really helps the Trust to understand patient and carer perspectives.
A new volunteering role is also being introduced at Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre, where volunteers will support patients by making telephone calls before appointments, offering reminders and checking whether any additional support is needed.
Janet Neate, Volunteer Manager at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Our volunteers make an incredible difference to our hospitals every single day.
“Whether helping patients return home sooner, offering reassurance before appointments, or providing a friendly face, their contribution is invaluable. Volunteers’ Week is a wonderful opportunity to say thank you and to welcome new people who want to give their time to support their local NHS.”
Visit worcsacute.nhs.uk/volunteers or email [email protected] or call 01905 733159 for more information on volunteering.
