VOLUNTEERS at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch were celebrated this week at an afternoon tea hosted by Trust chairman, Harry Turner.
There are over 200 volunteers at the Alexandra Hospital, working in the coffee shop, on the wards, as chaplains and in other roles and Mr Turner used the opportunity to personally thank the volunteers for their work.
“From manning the hospital shop, to patient transport, wayfinding, ward duties, newspaper and confectionery rounds, volunteers provided an invaluable service,” he said. “We couldn’t do it without you, and we appreciate all that you do for us. Thank you.”
Mayor of Redditch Patti Hill also attended the event: “I’m here as a volunteer myself, I work on the Macmillan information stand. If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t get it all done. So thank you. This is our hospital, our time, and let’s all carry on.”
A number of volunteers belong to the hospital’s League of Friends, and the Alexandra Hospital has recently teamed up with Age UK to recruit ‘dignity champions’ – volunteers who help out on hospital wards.
They run errands for patients, like picking up a newspaper from the hospital shop or simply keeping someone company.
Peter Harris from Redditch has recently volunteered as a dignity champion and said: “I’m retired and I wanted to spend some time doing something useful and giving back to the community.
“Staying in hospital can be lonely and being a dignity champion is basically like being a friend to patients, helping them out and cheering them up.”
All hospital volunteers are DBS checked and receive training and an induction from the hospital.
The Alex is currently looking for more dignity champions and wayfinder volunteers. Contact Rani Virk if you can help on 01905 760783.
