Volunteers going the extra mile for our patients

Date: 28 November 2016

Volunteers in kiosk
Members of the Medway Maritime Hospital Volunteers

From guiding patients to appointments, fixing teas and coffees on the wards for staff and patients, keeping a patient company during their stay on a ward, providing companionship and support to a patient attending an appointment, tending to the MacMillan Cancer Ward gardens, and many other activities, Medway Maritime Hospital’s volunteers are always ready to extend a helping hand wherever they can.

The Trust’s 289 volunteers, who contribute some 4,000 hours of service to the Trust every month, are part of a wider network, along with the League of Friends and the Royal Voluntary Service.

Zoe Goodman has been Medway Maritime Hospital’s Voluntary Services Manager for the past seven years. ‘Volunteering at a hospital can be a highly rewarding experience, and a great way to connect with the local Medway community,’ says Zoe. ‘Many volunteers live locally, and some may even have had a loved one who has been cared for by the Trust. They want to give something back and volunteering is one way to do that.

‘Many volunteers have been with the Trust for twenty or thirty years, and we have one volunteer who has worked here for 35 years. To recognise and celebrate this commitment, every year we hold an annual “Cream Tea”, hosted by the Chair and Chief Executive, in thanks for the special contribution our volunteers make to the organisation.’

To maintain healthy numbers of volunteers, Zoe runs regular recruitment drives, drawing interest from a range of people from students to people who are retired and looking to get involved in their local community. Applications are open to people over the age of 18, and are particularly welcomed from those who have a caring and approachable attitude, and are willing to make a personal commitment.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining Medway Maritime Hospital’s volunteer team, get in touch with Zoe on 01634 825 245 or email zgoodman@nhs.net.

  • Summary:

    Find out more about the Trust’s 289 volunteers, who contribute some 4,000 hours of service to the Trust every month.