6 October 2008
Almost 200 volunteers who support Epsom, St Helier and Sutton hospitals have been recognised for the time and commitment they give to the Trust.
Trust Chief Executive Samantha Jones and Chairman John Davey, along with many members of staff, showed their appreciation by awarding them with certificates, rosettes and a gift of their choice during the Volunteers' Tea Party.
The annual event, held at Epsom Racecourse, is a small token of the Trust's appreciation to the loyalty and hard work by the various charitable and groups that support the three hospitals. It also acknowledges and celebrates long service contributions by the volunteers.
Samantha Jones, Chief Executive, said: "This is a very special event for the Trust and is one way of saying thank you to all of our volunteers. We are tremendously grateful for their tireless and selfless efforts - some of whom have been volunteering and supporting our hospitals for many years. I, along with our staff, am extremely proud of such a caring group of professionals who give up their own time to help us further improve the way we run our hospitals and enhance the care and support we give to our patients and visitors.
"Last year alone our volunteers gave up 100,880 hours of their time, that's equivalent to 13,450 working days. Our volunteers age from 17 to 92 and do a range of wonderful things, from befriending patients and fundraising to running radio stations."
The Trust has around 485 volunteers and has recruited 58 new volunteers since January this year. Some of the many activities include helping to feed patients, assisting with administrative duties, providing transport for patients to and from hospital and providing support in busy tea bars.
One of the volunteers who came in for special recognition this year was Edith Rann MBE from Carshalton who has been associated with St Helier Hospital for the past 55 years, first with the WRVS (formerly Women's Royal Voluntary Service) and then with the League of Friends. She recently retired from volunteering at the age of 87.
Ruth Murphy, voluntary services co-ordinator who organised this year's event, said: "Our volunteers are simply amazing and so generous with their time. They raise vast sums of money for equipment and also show individual acts of kindness. Edith has been an inspiration to us all and words will never be enough to convey out heartfelt thanks."
All of the volunteers recognised during the ceremony are associated with the following groups:
- The Friends of Epsom General and West Park Hospitals;
- The League of Friends for St Helier and Sutton Hospitals;
- The League of Friends for Queen Mary's Children's Hospital;
- The Macmillan Butterfly Centre;
- The Chaplaincy;
- Epsom Medical Equipment Fund;
- WRVS;
- St Helier Kidney Patient Association (SHAK);
- Disability Information Centre Epsom (DICE)
- Radio St Helier;
- Epsom Hospital Radio.
The Trust would welcome any new volunteers who would be interested in supporting patients and their carers. Anyone interested in volunteering is very welcome to contact Lesley Scott, voluntary services manager, on 0208 296 2000.
