Derbshire hospital volunteers are honoured

The volunteers were rewarded for 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years of voluntary service.

Almost 500 volunteers provide a crucial service to support patients and visitors at both the Royal Derby and London Road hospitals. They meet and greet the million patients a year who use the hospitals, they operate a buggy service, volunteers help in the bereavement office, and they offer a helping hand across outpatient and rehabilitation clinics.

Sixth form school students also volunteer, helping in the Trust’s Mealtime Support project, working alongside nursing staff to support many frail elderly patients. Almost 100 pupils take part in this scheme each year.

Derby Hospitals’ Chief Nurse Cathy Winfield said: “Our volunteers provide a crucial service across so many areas of our hospitals and their caring,

compassionate manner means so much to patients and visitors. Today’s awards are an opportunity for the Trust to thank them all for their tireless service and dedication and I would like to pay my own personal tribute to each

and every hospital volunteer for the work they do.”

One of Derby Hospital’s longest serving volunteers, Dorothy Roberts, was rewarded for her 40 years of voluntary service. Dorothy, who helps in the tea room at London Road Community Hospital, said: “I’ve been volunteering for 40 years, helping first in the old DRI canteen and now in the tea room.

Visitors, patients and staff appreciate the fact that we’re always there for them with a cup of tea or coffee.”