Health Mentor Phil Robinson with some of the leaflets he promotes
As part of the forthcoming Volunteers Week 2019 (June 1-7), we are looking at some of the volunteer roles available around Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Here we meet Health Mentor, Phil Robinson.
Phil has been volunteering at Blackpool Victoria Hospital for the last four years.
Following heart surgery a few years ago one of his cardiac rehabilitation nurses suggested he would be great as a volunteer at the hospital.
As Phil was a Scout Leader for 24 years, he had no problem signing up to volunteer his services.
Because of his own treatment journey, Phil was passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle and so it was a natural choice to become a Health Mentor in the cardiac centre.
Phil said: “I have quite a varied role here at the hospital. As well as being on hand to give out various leaflets, I visit the wards and have a chat to patients, if they are willing, about the small changes they can make to improve their overall health.”
Phil also puts presentations together to deliver to groups of patients, often to a standing ovation!
Along with his work in the Cardiac Centre, Phil also volunteers in the A&E department and plays an active part in the Trust’s Youth Health Leaders scheme. All this great work led to him being nominated for the 2018 national Unsung Hero Awards for his work and he was also crowned as Volunteer of the Year 2018 in the Trust’s Celebrating Success Awards.
Phil added: “I really enjoy my work here at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. I feel like I am giving something back and I plan to keep volunteering here for as long as I am able.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Blackpool Victoria or Clifton Hospital, you are welcome to attend these recruitment events:
Monday, June 3 – Blackpool Victoria Hospital’s mezzanine, 11am until 2pm
Thursday, June 4 – Clifton Hospital, Pershore Road, Lytham St Annes, 12 until 3pm
For any further details, please ring 01253 957399 or email bfwh.volunteers@nhs.net