Hospital volunteers’ contribute 40,000 hours each year

The hospital is shining a light on its helpers as part of its support of ‘Volunteers’ Week’, an annual celebration of the 21 million volunteers across the UK, that takes place between 1-7 June.

The hospital has more than 180 volunteers, who spend upwards of 800 hours each week talking to patients, assisting with activities on the wards and providing office and admin support.

This week, the Trust thanked its volunteers by sharing their stories and hosting a tea party (tbc) at its grange road site.

Sheridan Flavin, the Trust’s Director of Human Resources, said: “We're supporting the national celebration of volunteers because we value the huge contribution our own volunteers make, from manning our front desk, to helping out on wards, or spending time with those who may otherwise be lonely.

“Our volunteers are absolute stars who always go the extra mile. It’s wonderful to have such dedicated people who sacrifice their own free time to support with the smooth running of the hospital.”

Patient Safety Midwife Amanda Lang, spends time volunteering at Weston General Hospital, and explains why: “It’s incredibly rewarding to give some of your time to people in need – our patients really appreciate it and so do our staff. I help out the ward staff at meals times with feeding our patients – they sometimes need an extra pair of hands.

“I think it’s important that patients without visitors do receive regular social interaction and companionship – and our volunteers help to provide that, which is a great thing.

“Volunteering offers you the chance to give something back to the community and make a real a difference to the people who visit, stay or work at this hospital.”

Retired 82 year-old xxx also volunteers as a runner at the hospital, which means she takes important files and documents to various departments. She says: “I’m a fit person who likes company, exercise and helping people. I am sure we make a difference to the hospital, patients and visitors alike”.

If you’d like to find about more about volunteering at Weston General Hospital please visit www.waht.nhs.uk and head to the ‘Working with us’ and then ‘Volunteering’ pages. 

Volunteers’ Week is taking place from the 1-7 June 2017. You find out more information by visiting www.volunteersweek.org.