Volunteers honoured for long service at awards ceremony

1 Nov 2023, 7:12 p.m.

On Tuesday 31 October, volunteers from Gloucestershire Hospitals were invited to a special event to honour them for their service. Those receiving the awards have amassed an amazing 550 years between them.

Held at Churchdown Community Centre, this was the first time in 3 years that we have been able to open this event up to all of our volunteers. Long service awards were presented to 46 volunteers, with service ranging from 5 years to 30 years. Two volunteers were recognised for 25 years service, while volunteer Barbara Fisher, one of our Welcome and Wayfinder volunteers on the Atrium reception desk at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, was given a 30-year service award.

We are fortunate to have over 200 volunteers in the Trust supporting a huge range of a teams across the organisation, including ward helpers, welcome and wayfinding volunteers, patient support in our Emergency Departments, reception desk volunteers who greet visitors and patients, those who tend to our gardens and outdoor spaces and chaplaincy volunteers who provide spiritual and emotional support.

We have expanded our volunteer roles this year, working with Gloucestershire Managed Services (GMS) to provide volunteers to support the shops at Cheltenham General Hospital. In addition, we have volunteers supporting our fantastic arts programme, our pharmacy team and critical care.

Medical Director Professor Mark Pietroni opened the event, welcomed the volunteers and thanked them for their service and commitment, while Non-Executive Director Jaki Meekings-Davis represented Chair Deborah Evans at the event and presented the awards, as well as closing the event.

Mark Pietroni said:

"Our volunteers go above and beyond to support our hospital teams to provide the best care for our patients. Their contribution is invaluable in ensuring that we can provide the best patient experience possible for people while they are in our care – and they are frequently commented on for their kindness and support."

Food at the event was provided by catering colleagues from GMS who provided a wonderful spread.

This event is a highlight of the Voluntary Services calendar and serves as a wonderful opportunity on behalf of the Trust to say a huge thank you for everything that our volunteers do for our hospitals, our patients and our staff.