Hospital’s oldest volunteer celebrates 90th birthday

For nearly 24 years, volunteer Dotty Rust has been walking the floors of Medway Maritime Hospital, helping visitors, patients and staff. And even though she recently celebrated her 90^th birthday, is showing no signs of slowing down.

Dotty, who has lived in Chatham for more than 50 years, took up volunteering after retiring from a job in the wages department at a local firm in Gillingham. Prior to that she had worked in London for Abbey National.

A smiling volunteer points to a hospital map on the wall

She said: “When I retired, the retirement age was 60, but although I stopped working full time, I wanted to keep doing something.

“So, I volunteered for the League of Friends at All Saints’ Hospital in Chatham for four years until it closed in 1999.”

Dotty, who has a son and daughter and two granddaughters, comes into the hospital twice a week. She can be found in the Charity and Volunteers’ hub on a Tuesday and on the volunteers’ desk on a Thursday.

Volunteers and colleagues celebrating in the Charity and Volunteers' hub

Speaking at a celebration event at the hospital to mark her special birthday, Dotty said: “I volunteer to meet and help people. The other day I walked somebody to where they needed to go, she apologised for being slow as she was 86. I said it was fine, I was 89 and we could walk slowly together. That was why I was there – to help her.

“People ask how long I will carry on volunteering for and I say I will know when the time is right to hang up my volunteering badge.”

Jayne Black, Chief Executive, Medway NHS Foundation Trust said: “Everyone at Medway wishes all the very best to Dotty on reaching such a special birthday.

“I’m in awe of her, and indeed all our volunteers’ commitment for giving their time and helping us provide high-quality, compassionate care to the people of Medway and Swale. They really do a fantastic job and I am incredibly thankful.”

If you would like to join our team of volunteers or therapy dog team, please contact our Voluntary Services Team: Zoe Goodman, Voluntary Services Manager on 01634 825246 or zgoodman@nhs.net.

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Dr Jaroslaw Beta, who is known to colleagues and service users as Jarek, holds baby Jarek who is named after him. Mum Lauren Davies is pictured next to them.

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