VOLUNTEERS’ Week takes place from 1-7 June each year and is a chance for The Princess Alexandra Hospital (NHS) Trust (PAHT) to give thanks and recognition to the fantastic team of volunteers for their invaluable contribution to support patients staying in hospital. 

There are now over 100 volunteers at PAHT, working across multiple teams, who help enhance patient wellbeing by:

• Spending time with patients in hospital, which helps to reduce their anxiety and isolation; and enhances patients’ general wellbeing
• Supporting families and carers with simple gestures such as taking time to talk and/or listen which can often help alleviate stress 
• Improving the wellbeing of our people by giving them more time to focus on clinical tasks
• Being present in the main reception to welcome patients and visitors and help guide them to where they need to be inside the hospital
• Arranging camp beds, pillows and blankets for visitors that find themselves staying overnight unexpectedly

The teams include the Butterfly Volunteers who support patients at the end of life; compassionate care/Namaste volunteers supporting those living with dementia, breastfeeding and with learning difficulties – they also support the emergency department. Volunteers can be found helping in the restaurant, in the chaplaincy team and at the main reception, helping to guide visitors to where they need to be.

Pets as Therapy support patients with the companionship of an animal; and the volunteers at Harlow Hospital Radio give up their time to bring entertainment to patients to brighten up their day.

Phillipa Haslehurst, voluntary services manager said: “It’s Volunteers’ Week but we are grateful every day for the invaluable support of our teams of volunteers here at PAHT.

“Their presence on the wards supports our people and enhances patient wellbeing and we are so grateful for the time they give us.”

Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive said: “Our volunteers are very much part of the team and their service underpins our values; especially, working collaboratively across our partnership to put our patients at the heart of all we do.

“I really cannot thank them enough for all they do.”