VOLUNTEERS across Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust have been thanked for their hard work and dedication during celebrations at the Alexandra, Kidderminster and Worcestershire Royal hospitals.

There are over 600 volunteers working across the trust, each making a real difference to the experience of patients. Around 150 volunteers attended these special events and were joined by Harry Turner, chairman, and Penny Venables, chief executive, who thanked them for all their fantastic work over the years.

Volunteers work in a broad range of roles across the trust, from people who meet patients and visitors arriving at the hospital, to volunteers who assist in wards and departments, supporting our staff in providing care.

The variety of volunteer roles in hospital includes spiritual and pastoral care, working in the WRVS shop and assisting in the clinics, answering phones and assisting with general enquiries in outpatient departments. Macmillan cancer information and support volunteers also assist visiting and patients to find out more information relating to cancer services and treatment.

Mealtimes/hydration volunteers help out ward staff with mealtimes, feeding patients and providing hot and cold drinks to patients.

Postnatal ward volunteers are also available to support mums with newborns and the staff by helping with refreshments readily available, replenishing as required, water jugs, tidying up and answering any queries, ensuring a positive experience for mums.

Volunteer Kate Fairman said: "I have now completed my first year at UCL Medical School and am looking forward to my second year of studies.

“It is hard work and challenging but I love it. There is no doubt that the experience I gained as a volunteer in hospital has helped me so much in getting to where I am now."

Anyone interested in volunteering at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital can call 01527 512009 or email leagueof.friends@worcsacute.nhs.uk.