Hospitals Show Appeciation For Local Volunteers

Volunteers who serve at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust are being thanked individually for their contribution to their local communities as part of the Trust’s celebrations to mark Volunteers’ Week 2015, which runs from 1^st to 7^th June.

Every one of the Trust’s 400+ volunteers will receive a certificate commemorating National Volunteers Week and a personal letter of thanks signed by Chairman Professor Eileen Fairhurst and Chief Executive Kevin McGee.

Volunteers are valuable assets at the Trust’s five hospitals and numerous community facilities, helping out in places as diverse as hospital wards, reception/welcome desks, hospital radio, infant feeding support, fundraising and the multi-faith Spiritual Centre.

Trust Director of HR and Organisational Development Kevin Moynes, said:

All our volunteers go the extra mile to make sure the people who visit our sites are comfortable and well looked after.

“We couldn’t be more proud of all our volunteers who give their time to help the Trust. That’s why presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to each volunteer is so important – it gives us the chance to really acknowledge what they do and say a heartfelt thank you.

During Volunteers’ Week, information stands manned by volunteer service staff and hospital volunteers are taking place at Burnley General Hospital, Pendle Community Hospital and the Royal Blackburn Hospital to recognise the work that NHS hospital volunteers do and showcase the varied volunteering opportunities that exist.

Eszter Lobmayer, Maternity Volunteer, who is applying for a Midwifery degree in a year’s time added:

I really enjoy volunteering on the Maternity Ward at Burnley General Hospital. I’m kept really busy making up discharge packs, handing out teas and coffees, making beds and running errands for the staff. It’s been a great experience.

Andrea Warburton, Ward Manager, Orthopaedic Ward at Burnley General Hospital said:

“The volunteers are fabulous. They can ease the load off staff and enhance the patients’ experience by having time to talk to them and generally help out with non-clinical tasks on the ward.”