NHS thanks hospital volunteers

With over 320 volunteers, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has a special thank you this Christmas for all those people who give their time to help others.

Catherine Rhodes, Patient Experience Manager, said: “Volunteers at the Trust fulfil a variety of roles that help give patients a better experience.

“The work of the volunteers is vital to our organisation and we can’t thank them enough for their dedication. They make life that little bit better for many people in hospital in so many different ways. Whether their role is to welcome visitors, serve beverages on the wards, support patients as a dining companion or provide chaplaincy support, we are extremely grateful for their help.”

A really popular addition to the volunteer team are the Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs who visit wards and outpatient areas bringing a welcome distraction to worried or anxious patients. 

A regular PAT dog volunteer is Betty who visits the elderly ward where many of the patients have dementia. Betty’s owner, Louise Wilson, said: “Patients with dementia become more interactive, often it triggers memories of their own pets so they start talking, or sometimes it just provides some comfort when they want to stroke her. It’s very satisfying to see the difference a visit from a dog can make to people in hospital.”

Betty’s most recent visit was as Santa’s little helper to help distribute Christmas gifts throughout York Hospital cheering up staff and patients on the way.

Catherine added: “It’s the time of year where everybody wants to give a bit back and, thanks to the generosity of York Cares and their partners, we have gifts for many of our wards that will make a big difference to patients who have to stay in hospital this Christmas.”

24 December 2019