NHS Trust thanks volunteers with Christmas lunch

OVER 60 volunteers who contribute their time to York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust enjoyed a Christmas lunch in Ellerby’s restaurant at York Hospital on Monday 10 December, courtesy of York Teaching Hospital Charity.

The hospital charity’s own volunteers, York Hospital volunteers and those from The Friends of York Hospital were invited to the three-course lunch as a thank you for all their hard work over the last year.  They were joined by some of the Trust governors, Susan Symington, Chair, and Helen Hey, Deputy Chief Nurse.

Chief Nurse, Beverley Geary, explained: “The support 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 visitor, or to help raise funds we are extremely grateful for their help.”

There are currently around 350 volunteers working for and with the Trust, either directly or through partner organisations.  Volunteers fulfil a variety of roles but their purpose is to enhance the patient experience.  Although volunteers do not perform any clinical roles, they are able to get some hands on experience of what it is like to help in a hospital environment alongside hospital staff.

Susan Symington added:  “People often say they volunteer because they've benefited from a service and want to put something back.  Some people say that volunteering has been a positive experience which helped them to develop skills that were useful in gaining employment.  Others enjoy social networking and make friends or say it is rewarding to see how the time they donate makes a difference both to patients and to staff.  Whatever the reason, volunteers bring tremendous value to the Trust and we are always grateful for the many volunteers who give their own time to help.”

If you are thinking of applying to join us as a volunteer, the Trust advertises volunteering opportunities at certain times throughout the year.   The next cohort for recruitment will commence on 27 January 2019.  For more information about volunteering with us, visit https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/work-with-us

10 December 2018