Incredible UHDB volunteers presented with long service awards
We were delighted to celebrate the amazing UHDB and League of Friends volunteers recently, in a ceremony which recognised and commemorated our dedicated volunteers that have supported the Trust for many years.
There were over 60 volunteers receiving recognition for their long service, held at Pride Park Stadium in Derby, and this was the first awards ceremony to take place in three years due to the impact of the pandemic.
Samantha Baller, Voluntary Services Co-ordinator for volunteers based at Royal Derby and Florence Nightingale Hospitals, spoke of the importance of the service they provide:
“Volunteers are the icing on the cake and the support they provide to staff and patients is invaluable. Some of the services that our volunteers provide are the patient buggies, tandem scooters, and wayfinding services - which all help patients to get around the hospital. Without volunteers, it wouldn’t be possible to offer these services.”
Derek Sharman, 91, and Hilda Broomhead, were amongst those being recognised for their service. Derek and Hilda started volunteering with the Trust at the same time and both received their 25 years of service certificates.
After being treated at hospital, Hilda wanted to find a way to give back, which led her to start volunteering. She said: “It feels like you’re helping the community. It’s a way to say a thank you to all the doctors and nurses for their hard work.”
Derek also spoke fondly of his experiences supporting patients: “You spend time with patients, you get to know them and do your best to reassure them. When they say thank you to you, you realise you’re making a difference.”
Jane Arrow volunteers at Florence Nightingale Community Hospital providing a meet and greet service. Jane spoke about what volunteering means to her and the advice she’d give to anyone thinking about volunteering: “It means I have a purpose. I like meeting people and I get to do that all day as a volunteer. I would say do it! It’s so rewarding, you’ll get to meet lots of people, make friends and will be given any training that you’ll need.”
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