Volunteers Caitlin and Catherine with Esther Steel and Adrian Carradice-Davids
Board members at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals spent the week seeing and experiencing the work of some of our 265 active volunteers.
Chief Executive Trish Armstrong-Child, who went for a walk with Frankie, one of our Pets As Therapy dogs, said: “During my 30-year career in the NHS, there has not been a role I have worked in that wasn’t supported and touched by volunteers.”
Among those donning an orange tee-shirt was Esther Steel, Executive Director of Corporate Governance, and Non-Executive Director Adrian Carradice-Davids who accompanied volunteer regulars Caitlin and Catherine at Clifton Hospital.
Reflecting on the helpfulness and warm welcome that the public receive from volunteers, Adrian said: “Volunteers should be celebrated more, I hope more will be done to celebrate the huge contribution that they make in our hospitals.”
At Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Deputy Chief Executive Steve Christian joined Sue Lawler on the “mobile shop” that takes confectionery, drinks and newspapers around the wards while Director of Nursing Bridget Lees went out with the volunteer listeners to hear about patients’ experiences of hospital.
Darrell Shuck and Effie, another of our Pets As Therapy dogs, with Executive Director of People and Culture Louise Ludgrove
Volunteer manager Catherine Henshaw said: “It was great that members of the Board took time out to be with our wonderful volunteers on Volunteers’ Week.
“We have roles across the organisation to fit the interests and availability of everyone.
“Volunteering is a great way to make friends and make a contribution to your local community whether you’re starting in work and want different experiences or you’re towards the end of a career or retired and want something to keep you active.”
Get in touch with Catherine and her team to find out more about our volunteering opportunities. These are our current vacancies.