Hospital celebrates volunteers’ long service

To recognise the commitment of our volunteers we held a volunteers’ long service awards and cream tea event on Friday 6 June.

More than 60 volunteers attended the annual event which gives them a chance to get together and celebrate the support they give to the hospital in providing high-quality, compassionate care to the people of Medway and Swale.

Volunteers Wendy Aldrich and Anne Whitehead both received their long service awards at the event.

Wendy, who was presented with her 15-year award said: “I spent two years volunteering with the Macmillan Team on Galton Day Unit helping with admin support when I first started at Medway.

“I then moved to the front desk in the volunteers’ hub as I enjoy meeting people. I come in one afternoon a week to be on the desk and help people with their queries.”

Anne Whitehead with Sarah Vaux, Interim Chief Nursing Officer

Recognised for her commitment with a 10-year award, Anne can be found helping out in the clinic one morning a week with the Cardiac Coordinators Team.

She said: “I started volunteering as I wanted to help out and my husband was also volunteering here at Medway. With my background being in administration I started helping as a ward clerk on Nelson Ward before moving to Bronte Ward looking after and transferring patient files.

“I’m now doing a similar role on a Tuesday morning helping the Cardiac Coordinators Team in their clinics making sure the paperwork is ready for each patient.”

Sarah Vaux, Interim Chief Nursing Officer, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, who presented the awards said: “Our volunteers are a vital part of the Medway family who work tirelessly in contributing to the smooth running of our hospital, including wards, reception areas and as guides.

“It is great to be able to thank our volunteers for the time they give to support the delivery of the best of care to our patients.”

The event also saw eight of the hospital’s 10 therapy dogs in the same room together. The team has expanded recently with the newer dogs getting used to walking the wards giving joy and happiness to patients, visitors and staff.

Anyone with an interest in health and wellbeing who is over the age of 16 is welcome to apply to become a volunteer at Medway Maritime Hospital or the Sheppey Frailty Unit. Volunteers are given a full induction, and training sessions are provided to help them in their role.

Find out more about volunteering with us.

Watch our videos showcasing our fantastic volunteers and therapy dog team.

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