YEOVIL NEWS: Volunteers make a real difference to hospital life

YEOVIL District Hospital is using national Volunteers’ Week as a chance to say a heartfelt “thank you” to all the people who generously give their time to help improve life for patients and visitors.

More than 385 dedicated volunteers work at Yeovil Hospital, aged from just 16 to 90 years old.

Volunteers work across a wide range of departments and roles, with an array of opportunities for those interested and some very individual reasons behind the decision the commit their time.

One such volunteer is Bob Norbury, who, after suffering a stroke six years ago, was so impressed by the care he received in Yeovil that he now supports stroke patients on the wards and works tirelessly to raise awareness about stroke.

Another dedicated member of the volunteering team is Sue Finer, an ex-nurse who found herself becoming a full-time carer to her husband Peter, diagnosed with dementia when he was just 50 years old. Since his death she continues the use her knowledge and experience as a volunteer in the dementia team.

There is a vast array of opportunities for volunteers in the hospital; including helping on the wards, in the hospital shop, as part of the meet and greet team, outside in the grounds, in the chaplaincy, on the intensive care reception, in midwifery and women’s health, in paediatrics, visiting patients, and supporting the young volunteer programmes.

Speaking about the importance of volunteers within the hospital, head of patient services Roger Hayward said: “The hospital staff are a dedicated team in themselves, offering high levels of patient care and regularly going that extra mile, but add to that the work of the amazing volunteers we have here and it is clear the difference they make.

“Simply put, we couldn’t do what we do without them. Often volunteers don’t want a big song and dance so we just want to use Volunteers’ Week as an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ for all they do. Whatever their area of interest, each volunteer adds something very special to Yeovil Hospital.

“Alongside the volunteers within the hospital, there are many external volunteer agencies we benefit hugely from, including Yeovil Freewheelers, Pets as Therapy, and the Samaritans.”

Volunteers Week runs until Sunday, June 12, 2016.

PHOTO: Just some of the many volunteers at Yeovil District Hospital.

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