North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust hosted a special evening event this week to thank its volunteers in recognition of all they do for patients across its community.
To mark Volunteers Week, staff at the Trust hosted an evening at the University Hospital of North Tees to thank the 350 volunteers it has.
The Trust held its first volunteer ‘Thank You Dinner’ since before Covid, welcoming in volunteers in various roles, including clinical volunteers, drivers, hospital radio Radio Stitch and the League of Friends – a volunteer-run coffee shop based at the University Hospital of North Tees.
The event, held on Wednesday 7 June, was attended by almost 150 volunteers who all enjoyed a two-course meal, a presentation of long service awards and entertainment including bingo and music – all provided by grateful staff from across the organisation including members of the Trust’s executive team.
Speaking at the event, Trust joint chair Derek Bell, said: “I want to thank each and every one of you for all that you do.
“You make a real difference to this organisation and the care we give to our patients, across our hospitals and the community.
“This evening is about showing our gratitude to you for the time and dedication you have given to this organisation and our staff, patients and their loved ones.”
From driving patients to hospital to offering bedside emotional support, the Trust’s volunteers make a huge difference to the staff, patients and visitors across the University Hospital of North Tees, the University Hospital of Hartlepool and the local community.
Colin Ogden, who volunteers as a driver to transport patients to and from their hospital appointments, said at the event: “We have all had a fabulous evening!
“We all really appreciated the effort all staff involved put into the evening.
“Though we don’t volunteer for this reason, it was wonderful to be recognised for the work we do.
“Thank you to the catering team for preparing us a delicious meal and to all of the staff who gave up their time to greet us, serve meals and provide entertainment.”
The first of its kind since 2019, this event marked the end of National Volunteers Week.
Paul Wharton, volunteer coordinator, said: “Hosting an event like this for our volunteers is an absolute pleasure – it is an opportunity for us as staff to say a huge thank you to all our 350 volunteers for the time they contribute for the benefit of our patients and staff.
“Our volunteers play a significant role for the NHS’ vision for the future of health and social care. They are our staff’s partners who help to to make things a little better for patients during hospital appointments or stays.”
To find out more about volunteering at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, call 01642 383933 or email [email protected]