THE wonderful contributions of the team of volunteers at The Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAHT) were celebrated at a special Christmas lunch on Monday, 9 December.

More than 70 volunteers were treated to a festive meal at the hospital restaurant, where they were joined by teams across PAHT (pictured) to give thanks for their work to support the hospital.

PAHT has nearly 180 volunteers in roles ranging from meeting and greeting our patients and visitors at the front of the hospital to supporting in the catheterisation laboratory (an examination room with diagnostic imaging equipment to see abnormalities in the heart).

Phillipa Haslehurst, voluntary services manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome our volunteers to a special Christmas lunch to say thank you for all of their hard work throughout the year. It was a lovely event, with a festive, jovial atmosphere.

“Our volunteers offer invaluable support and we will be looking for more of our community to join the team in the future – with a wide range of opportunities to suit.”

One of our volunteers who attended the event, Melanie Hollinshead, from Theydon Bois, said: “It is a huge privilege to volunteer at the hospital, and it’s a way of giving something back.

“Last year I was quite poorly and spent some time in the hospital. When I had an opportunity to give something back, I jumped at it.”

Sharon McNally, director of nursing, midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, said: “The generosity of our volunteers in giving their time makes an enormous difference to the experience of our patients, visitors and our people every day.

“It was wonderful to join our volunteers for this special festive occasion in recognition of their dedication all year round.”

For more information about volunteering at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, please contact [email protected].