Recognising our volunteers during Volunteers’ Week

Volunteers’ Week (Thursday 1 June to Wednesday 7 June) is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.

Here at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, we have 125 volunteers who give around 2,500 hours a month of their time to help support patients and visitors and assist the Trust in providing high-quality, compassionate care to the people of Medway and Swale. The hospital’s League of Friends and Hospital Radio operate independently alongside them.

The Trust’s longest serving volunteers are Dot Rust and Pat Windsor who have both been volunteering here for nearly 30 years.

Our oldest volunteer Dot (88), said: “I have been volunteering here for 27 years. I like helping members of the public within the hospital with their various problems and I enjoy meeting different people as part of my role.”

Trust volunteer Tom Lawson (87), said: “I have been volunteering here at the hospital for seven years. It is great to be able to give something back to the community.”

Zoe Goodman, the Trust’s Voluntary Services Manager said: “Volunteering at a hospital can be a highly rewarding experience, and a great way to connect with the local Medway community.

“Our volunteers do a fantastic job helping patients and visitors, always with a smile on their faces. As part of Volunteers’ Week and to recognise and celebrate their commitment we will be holding our annual volunteers cream tea on Wednesday 7 June.”

Jayne Black, Chief Executive said: “Our volunteers work tirelessly in contributing to the smooth running of our hospital, including wards, reception areas and as guides.

“On behalf of everyone here at the Trust, we would like to thank our volunteers for the time they give to support the delivery of the best of care to our patients.”

Anyone with an interest in health and wellbeing who is over the age of 16 is welcome to apply to become a Trust volunteer.