Island residents willing to spend a few hours each week helping the community are invited to spring into action as a volunteer at Noble’s Hospital this month.
Volunteers Week 2018 runs from Monday 16 – Friday 20 April with the aim of celebrating the contribution made by the current team of more than 100 dedicated volunteers.
To kick off the week, Noble’s volunteer dining companions will give a short talk in the main entrance on Monday morning at 10.30 am, on why they enjoy volunteering.
Volunteer Marion Hastings has described the satisfaction gained from making a difference:
‘It is an incredible experience to help another. Patients that I meet while working my shift are in the Hospital for many reasons. A smile and a little kindness and attention can go a long way.’
Events over the five days will showcase the variety of roles available and organisers hope the week will raise the profile of the service and encourage new recruits to join the team.
Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford MHK will lend his support to this year’s Volunteers Week when he helps out on the welcome desk in the main foyer on Wednesday 18 April. Senior managers will take part in the hospital’s Back to the Floor initiative when they join volunteer sessions throughout the week, greeting visitors and patients on the front desk, taking the book trolley around the wards or joining patients at mealtimes.
Anyone interested in getting involved can find out more about the opportunities and training available with members of the volunteer team at their stall in the main entrance. Volunteers will be on hand to talk about the rewards, such as learning new skills, gaining confidence, making friends and having fun.
Front of House Manager Dawn Stanton said:
‘Our volunteers make an outstanding contribution to hospital life. From helping put anxious patients and the relatives at ease when they arrive, to enhancing the wellbeing of patients on the wards, their help in so many ways is much appreciated.
She added:
‘We offer full training and support. New recruits will shadow colleagues in their chosen role until they’re ready to take on the task themselves. We look after our volunteers’ wellbeing throughout the year and organise a number of special events just for them.’
Director of Hospitals Mike Quinn said:
‘Volunteers do so much to enhance the services provided to patients. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated team of caring and talented volunteers. It is therefore right and proper that we use the occasion of Volunteers Week to celebrate their success and show our gratitude.’
One of the highlights of the week takes place on the Friday afternoon (20 April) when the popular Thanksgiving service is held in the hospital chapel at 2.30pm. This will be followed by a celebration social in Thie Bee restaurant for volunteers, their families and staff.
