NUH volunteers celebrate a combined total of 560 years of service
Volunteers took centre stage at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) as their hard work and dedication was celebrated at this year’s volunteer Long Service Awards afternoon tea.
Taking place during National Volunteers’ Week, the event was a chance to say thank you to those who offer their free time to support our hospitals.
Our longest serving volunteer Trish Cargill, celebrated 30 years’ service. Trish, the chair of the Patient Participation Group (PPG), which works in partnership with NUH, started volunteering when her son Chris was born with severe, complex needs, and needed round-the-clock care.
Trish said: “Chris was in and out of hospital, and received such fantastic, compassionate care and support from everyone at NUH, I wanted to give something back. My involvement has just grown from there.
“I have the privilege of working with incredible people, from all different walks of life, as well as staff, on the PPG. It’s a joy and an honour.
“Being recognised at the Long Service Awards is an honour I accept on behalf of all the staff and patients I represent.”
The event, which took place at the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC), recognised the outstanding dedication of our volunteers and was an opportunity to thank them for the exceptional support they provide.
More than 50 volunteers, celebrated a combined total of 560 years’ service ranging from 5 to 30 years.
Former school teacher Dick Hall celebrated 15 years voluntary service. He said: “It’s great, volunteering gives me a purpose in life. I meet so many people who all appreciate what we do.
“It’s a marvellous opportunity and I’ve enjoyed every day of it. I’m looking forward to the next five years.”
NUH Chair Nick Carver presented the awards. He said: “Volunteers make such an enormous contribution to what happens at NUH, both to our staff and patients. It was fantastic to be able to celebrate and thank our wonderful volunteers. Their kindness, care and compassion does not go unnoticed."
Kerry Harper, Voluntary Services Manager, added: “Volunteering plays a significant role within NUH and we are extremely fortunate to have such a high volume of committed volunteers who want to support our paid colleagues in delivering the highest standards of patient care.
“We are immensely grateful for their invaluable contributions and the difference they make every day”.
All of our volunteers go above and beyond to help our colleagues, our patients and their families.
New for 2024, our People First Recognition Awards provide the opportunity for our volunteers to be recognised and rewarded.
Nominations for our Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Nottingham City Transport, are now open. The awards are your chance to say a big thank you to someone who has gone that extra mile for you or a loved one.
Visit our website to submit your nomination.