Steve Dyson receives his award from Janet Barnsley, Executive Director of Integrated Care
Two episodes of bowel surgery inspired Steve Dyson to become a volunteer at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and “give something back”.
“Volunteering has changed my life for the better,” he said. “I’ve made so many new friends. It’s given me so much confidence. It’s given me a new lease of life really.”
Steve’s volunteering as a navigator and a patient listener was recognised with the top prize in the volunteers’ category at Celebrating Success 2023, this year’s Blackpool Teaching Hospitals staff awards.
Presenting the award, Janet Barnsley, Executive Director of Integrated Care, said: “Nothing is too much trouble for Steve who’s super-cheerful and a pleasure to be around.
“It’s his experiences as a patient that gives him common ground with other patients, allowing them to open up and trust him with their worries and fears.”
Steve’s volunteering has also helped him on to the hospital bank of casual staff as a healthcare assistant.
“I can’t thank the Vic, the Trust enough for giving me the opportunity to volunteer. The volunteers are all winners,” said Steve.
More than 400 nominations were received for the Celebrating Success 2023 Blackpool hospitals annual staff awards in a year which marks the service’s 75th birthday on 5 July. The ceremony was watched online by thousands of colleagues, family and members of the public. Watch when Steve received his award. The runners up were the Catherine Harrington and Susan Lawlor.
… would you like to volunteer with Steve too?
Volunteers are part of hospital life at Blackpool, giving their time to help and support patients, visitors and staff in many ways.
The Trust has more than 450 active volunteers at Blackpool Victoria and Clifton hospitals, each giving at least three hours of their time a week.
Speak to our volunteer manager Catherine Henshaw to find out more.
These are our current vacancies.