Lincolnshire’s hospitals have treated their dedicated volunteers with a series of Christmas lunches, thanking them for the invaluable support they provide to staff and patients throughout the year.
This year, volunteers across United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust have given more than 12,000 hours of their time in a variety of roles – from meeting and greeting patients to running book clubs and offering companionship on wards.
The festive lunches were organised by Sharon Kidd, Patient Experience and Engagement Manager, who said: “This special tradition gives us the chance to say the biggest thank you for the incredible kindness, compassion and support our volunteers give to our patients, visitors, and staff. They are the stars shining bright in our hospitals not just at Christmas but all year round.”
After being thanked for their commitment, volunteers enjoyed a visit from Santa, before sitting down to a sumptuous Christmas lunch, generously provided by United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.
Among those celebrated was Beryl, who has volunteered at Grantham and District Hospital for 21 years. She said: “When my husband died in hospital, we gave a donation to the staff to thank them for the care he received, but I felt that was inadequate, so the ward sister invited me to work with them as a volunteer and I am still here!”
Mike and Margaret began volunteering at Grantham and District Hospital in 2017, after moving to the area. Mike said: “We had volunteered before where we used to live and wanted to continue when we moved to Grantham. It is our way of giving something back to the wonderful staff who care for all of us every day of the year.”
Charity Manager, Ben Petts, added: “We’re immensely grateful to our volunteers for their dedication and commitment to so many different areas of the Trust. This event is just a small way we can show our thanks.”
