Hospital volunteers give 310 years’ service
Thirty seven volunteers at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) have just received awards in recognition of their long service, including one volunteer who has achieved 45 years’ service.
The awards were presented by NNUH Chairman John Fry and Chief Executive Mark Davies at the Volunteers’ Christmas Party held at the hospital. Twenty one volunteers received five-year long service awards, thirteen volunteers received ten-year long service awards and two volunteers received 15 year service awards. Altogether the volunteers have given 310 years’ service to the hospital.
Volunteer Nora Long received her award for 45 years’ service after joining the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital as a volunteer in 1971. Nora says: “I wanted something to do when my children started school and a friend, who worked at the hospital suggested I did some voluntary work.”
Nora originally helped on reception in the Diabetes clinic at the old N&N Hospital and then when the hospital moved to Colney in 2001 she transferred to the new site and took on a new role in the Day Procedure Unit. Nora volunteers two days per week providing tea and coffee to the patients and helping the nurses by running errands and anything else she can do to make their busy lives easier.
Sally Knights, Voluntary Services Manager, says: “At 85 years old Nora is an absolute inspiration to us all. She catches a bus to the hospital and turns up for her volunteer duties in all weathers. Last year she received the ‘Volunteer of the year award’ for her dedication to her duties and the unit described Nora as kind, cheerful, dedicated, reliable, helpful and always having a smile on her face!”
Mark Davies, Chief Executive of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, says: “We are delighted to be able to recognise our volunteers and their long dedication to our hospitals. Their support enriches the lives of patients and staff across both hospitals and we are very grateful to them.”
There are over 700 volunteers at NNUH who fulfil a variety of roles, such as meeting and greeting patients as they arrive at hospital, supporting patients and staff in the wards and clinics, and providing support to patients at mealtimes. Dementia support volunteers have been introduced to the Older People’s Medicine wards and some specialist roles have also been established such as Reading Aloud, Reminiscence, Breast Feeding Support and Music Therapy.
Twenty one volunteers have received five-year service awards: Andrew Jarvis, Angela Hollidge, Bev Penn, Christine McKenzie, Christopher Wiltshire, Deborah Lawrence, Anne Templeman, Jean Johnstone, Juliana Lim-Walker, Keith Evans, Linda Holland, Lynette Gladding, Margaret Carter, Mary Clark, Mary Twist, Michael Duncan, Pauline Webster, Peter Brighton, Valerie Williamson, Yvonne Hughes, Ruth Blewitt.
Thirteen volunteers have received ten-year service awards: Brian Matthews, Christine Fulcher, Colin Websdell, Derek Minns, Frances Brannen, Jacinth Fairhead, Jenny Ashley, Mary Dolding, Melvyn Edwards, Patricia Stockley, Pauline Bourke, Timothy Howson, Wendy Rockett
Two volunteers have received 15 year service awards: Linda Portsmouth-Nash, Pam Grainger.
