From mealtime companions to stroke buddies – hundreds of volunteers are working tirelessly to support patients and staff who use Walsall Healthcare’s hospital and community services.

And this Volunteers Week, from 1-7 June,  provides an opportunity to acknowledge their efforts and thank them for their invaluable contribution. Volunteers such as Roy Whittle, who has been helping out in the Outpatients Department for almost seven years, as well as driving the scooter that helps patients with mobility problems get to their appointments.

“He’s a Godsend,” said Deb Allport, Senior Sister for the Outpatients Department.

Volunteers cover more than 30 roles in the hospital working in the Emergency Department, with the Chaplaincy – Spiritual Care Team and Intensive Care Unit to name just a few areas. They also help out at Walsall Palliative Care Centre as reception and day hospice support and drivers.

To celebrate the week volunteers have been invited to two drop in sessions on Monday and Wednesday 3 and 5 June to enjoy a cuppa and well-earned break.

Louise Mabley, Lead for Patient Experience, Volunteering & Self Care Management, said: “We want our volunteers to know just how much they’re appreciated by patients and staff alike.

“To come into the hospital or Walsall Palliative Care Centre and be greeted by a smiling face and the offer of help means so much. Our volunteers are upholding our organisation’s values of Compassion, Respect, Professionalism and Teamwork on a daily basis and we couldn’t do without them.

“But as well as thanking the one we’ve got we’d also like to encourage more to join us. We have a number of roles that we’d like to attract volunteers into including ward visitors, Emergency Department support, Self-Care Management Programme tutors, patient and carer feedback activities, fundraising support, mealtime assistants and scooter driving.

The League of Friends also supports the trust with volunteers who work in its shops or meet and greet patients and visitors to the hospital.

Anyone who would like to become a volunteer should contact the Volunteer Service on 01922 656689 or email volunteer.services@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk