VOLUNTEERS have been thanked for their support for the hospitals in North Bristol NHS Trust.
A celebratory afternoon tea, hosted by NBT Chair Michele Romaine and Chief Nursing Officer Professor Steve Hams and supported by Southmead Hospital Charity, was held at The Bristol Hotel.
More than 350 people give their time to support Southmead Hospital and Cossham Hospital, collectively donating more than 28,000 hours during 2022.
Among the volunteers at the event were representatives from both Southmead Hospital and Cossham Hospital League of Friends, Move Makers, Patient Befrienders, Ward Support volunteers, Patient and Carer Partners, Kidney Peer Mentors, Alcohol Peer Mentors, Major Trauma Volunteers, Purple Butterfly end of life volunteers, Pets as Therapy and Bristol Sight Loss Council.
Professor Hams said: “I volunteered at the start of my career and recognise the value of being a volunteer and the huge contribution every one of our volunteers makes to the experience of patients, staff and visitors to our services every day.”
A long service award went to Sandra Stocker in recognition of the 25 years she has managed the League of Friends café at Southmead Hospital.
Muriel Carter was presented with an award for her 20 years of service, volunteering in the Cossham League of Friends cafe.
Pianist and Move Maker, Jan Bartlett, received a certificate to mark her 20 years of volunteering.
Southmead Hospital League of Friends Chair, Mike Long, received an award for 15 years of volunteer service.
The League of Friends run a cafe and shop in the Brunel building, supported by approximately 30 volunteers, and the money they make supports the hospital.
Mike wanted to support the hospital after he had a kidney transplant because he feels it’s “nice to be able to give something back”.
His wife Jenny, a former nurse, also received a long service award, for her 10 years of volunteering for the League of Friends.