Expanding NNUH’s network of Butterfly Volunteers

An open event will be held next week for people interested in becoming a Butterfly Volunteer at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH).

The awareness session will take place on Tuesday 17 September as the Trust looks to expand its network of volunteers to supporting patients at the end of their life.

The first Butterfly Volunteers at NNUH completed their training in June and they are already making a difference providing companionship and company to patients who are recognised as being in the last days and hours of their lives.

The hospital is the second Trust in the country to join the initiative, which was started by the Anne Robson Trust with the goal of ensuring that no patient dies alone.

People can find out more about becoming a Butterfly Volunteer at the event, which will take place between 2pm and 3pm on 17 September at the Bob Champion Research and Education Building.

Butterfly Volunteers work closely with Palliative Care and Chaplaincy teams, as well as ward staff. They can also provide reassurance and support to families, whether that’s organising a carer’s passport, getting them a cup of tea or arranging any additional help they might need.

Emma Taylor, NNUH Butterfly Volunteers Co-ordinator, said: “We are privileged to have Butterfly Volunteers at NNUH from a range of backgrounds and what draws them all together is that they are very kind and compassionate and the fact that they can be there for patients at such an emotionally fragile time is really important.

“They are enhancing the service and the experience that our patients receive.”

If you are interested in attending the Butterfly Volunteers awareness session, please call 01603 287244 or email Emma.Taylor@nnuh.nhs.uk

For more information, visit https://www.annerobsontrust.org.uk/