National Volunteers week provides an opportunity for us to recognise and thank the almost 500 volunteers here at the trust for their work and selfless commitment they provide throughout the year.
From pharmacy drivers to therapy pets and their handlers, Friends Charities to hospital radio volunteers, Infant Feeding Supporters to Chaplaincy volunteers, courtyard gardeners and ward support – they all make a difference to the experience patients and visitors have and are intrinsic to the organisation and invaluable throughout it.
Jayne Black, Chief Executive, acknowledged the value volunteers provide. Jayne said: “Volunteers are an essential part of the NHS family here at the trust. The benefit they provide to patient care and experience and the support provided to our staff is immeasurable, and the fact that volunteers give up their time to do so is genuinely humbling. Thank you to our volunteer team for everything you do for us.”
Jayne was joined in sharing appreciation of the volunteer team by Steve Aumayer, Deputy CEO and Chief People Officer, who added: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who support virtually every one of our services. They never cease to amaze me with the energy, commitment and dedication to the trust and the people that we serve. I am immensely proud of every one of them and we are a better organisation for having each one.”
Steve Phoenix, trust Chairman also expressed his thanks to our numerous volunteers: “During Volunteers’ Week, it is an opportunity to recognise the hard work, time and commitment that all of our volunteers here at the trust contribute to not just assisting the delivery of the very best patient care; but in the direct impact it has on each and every person who receives their support. It is an opportunity to say a heartfelt ‘Thank You’. This willingness to give so freely of time and service is greatly appreciated.”
During Volunteers’ Week, Yvette and Cathy, the trust’s Voluntary Services Co-ordinators, along with Laura Ransom, Temporary Workforce and Volunteer Services Manager, will be personally thanking as many volunteers as they can and organising get together events for volunteers to come along and meet with staff and each other as a celebration of Trust volunteering.
The team is always happy to discuss volunteering support with colleagues who feel their team would benefit from the support. Contact the Voluntary Services team – email: esht.voluntaryservices@nhs.net