Thelma celebrates 20 years of volunteering at Weston General Hospital

Thelma Cording, who works in Weston General Hospital’s Print Room, celebrated 20 years of volunteering at Weston Area Health NHS Trust (WAHT).

Thelma said: “I like to give something to the community and I do get something back as everyone in the Print Room is lovely to work with. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work here for the last 20 years. In fact, working here has kept me sane!”

Photo above shows (from left to right): David Flory, Chief Executive of the Trust Development Authority; Sue Tarpey, Voluntary Services Manager; Thelma Cording; Nick Wood, Chief Executive, Weston Area Health Trust.

Thelma has been working in the Print Room since she first started volunteering in 1994, the same year that the Hospital opened its Print Room service.

The Print Room is staffed entirely by volunteers helping to print, bind and photocopy all the printing needs of the hospital departments. There are over 200 volunteers at the Trust who compliment staff services by giving up their time to help around the hospital. Volunteers also help out by manning the front desk and being drivers, feeders, ward helpers, clerical helpers and in fundraising.

Nick Wood, Chief Executive, said: “I’d like to congratulate and thank Thelma for 20 years of service to the hospital. 20 years is an impressive commitment, let alone by a volunteer. It’s wonderful to have dedicated people like Thelma at the hospital.”

On Wednesday 5 November, to mark her twentieth anniversary of volunteering at the hospital, Thelma was presented with flowers from a special visitor – David Flory, Chief Executive of the NHS Trust Development Authority (TDA).

The TDA is responsible for providing leadership and support to 93 non-Foundation Trusts in the NHS. David was in Weston for a brief visit to Weston General Hospital. WAHT is the smallest acute Trust in England and as a non-Foundation Trust falls under the TDA.