We’ve marked national Volunteers’ Week by holding the first in-person event since the start of the pandemic, thanking some of our longest-serving volunteers with a special afternoon tea at Queen’s Hospital on Monday 5 June.

Among them was Terry Summers (left), 72, who has been volunteering with us for a decade. Since retiring from the police force Terry has been a toastmaster, magistrate and volunteered with Victim Support. It was when the branch moved out of the area that he found his way to us.

The grandfather-of-two started volunteering on reception, and is now a ‘wayfinder’, helping patients and visitors get where they need to be in our hospitals.

He said: “I love it. I’m quite good with people and you meet so many different personalities. I remember helping a chap in his 90s find his way to his wife, who told him off for not finding her quicker. There was also a daughter, in her 70s, who told me her 90-year-old mum fancied me!

“And I remember a young girl who simply said she needed to find her way to resus, then told me her dad had just died. As you’re not paid to volunteer, you do it because you really want to, and people are so appreciative of that. I like to help people and you also get to know the staff, who take the time to stop and say what a wonderful job you’re doing.”

Dorothy Brown-Gordon, 78, is such a dedicated volunteer she’s recently encouraged her husband Bryan (left with Dorothy) to get involved too and the former florist has joined us as a patient partner.

Dorothy, who has three grandchildren and a great-grandchild, started her career as a carer before becoming a care manager at Jewish Care, so brings a wealth of experience to the patients she supports on Fern ward at King George Hospital.

She said: “I help patients eat their meals and am also a befriender, so I chat to them and keep them company. That’s really important as they can get lonely, some don’t have family nearby, or have anyone to visit them.

“When I retired, I wanted to give something back and help my community and having worked with patients with dementia for over 23 years, I have a lot of experience to share. The best thing about it is the self-satisfaction, I go home knowing I’ve done something good.”

Dorothy, who has volunteered with us for over five years, and Bryan, also volunteer with Jewish Care at their community centre in Gants Hill.

Dorothy and Terry were among those presented with special pins by our Chief Executive, Matthew Trainer, and Chief Nurse, Kathryn Halford, to recognise their long-service.

Our Chair, Jacqui Smith (above, second right with volunteers, l-r, Bryan, Dorothy, and Terry), who spoke at the event, said: “Our volunteers make such a big difference to our patients and staff, and our hospitals are much better places to work and be cared for because of them.

“This week provides a great opportunity to show our appreciation for everything they do, as well as encourage others who are interested in becoming a volunteer to look at the variety of roles we have.”

We have almost 350 volunteers at our Trust in a range of roles. We’re currently looking for more people to become mealtime assistants, A&E befrienders and outpatient clinic volunteers. If you’d like to find out more and apply, visit our website.

Volunteers’ Week runs from 1 to 7 June.