We have more than 850 dedicated volunteers at UHSussex, and this Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) we are recognising the valuable contributions they make to our staff, patients and visitors.
In line with this year’s national campaign theme ‘celebrate and inspire’, a range of celebratory lunches and tea parties are being held across our sites to thank all of our incredible volunteers for their ongoing support.
The events will also provide the opportunity to shine a light on some of our volunteers who have reached key milestones at the Trust, and they will receive a long service award in appreciation.
Dr George Findlay, Chief Executive, said: “We regularly receive feedback highlighting the value our volunteers bring and the positive impact they have on the experiences of staff, patients, and visitors.
“I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers for their unwavering dedication and for going above and beyond in all that they do.”
A chance to say thank you
Celebratory events for all our volunteers kicked off last week and are continuing throughout this week. They include:
Princess Royal and Royal Sussex County hospitals
On Monday 22 May, volunteers enjoyed a day trip to Highdown Hotel and Gardens, which included a celebratory lunch and walk around the beautiful grounds.
Southlands and Worthing hospitals
On Thursday 22 June, a summer tea party will be held at Worthing Town Hall, where long service awards for volunteers who have reached the milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years will be presented, as well as awards for our young adult learners. Yesterday (31 May), the volunteers held a stall in the Penguin Foyer at Worthing Hospital, where staff, patients and visitors shared their experiences and gave thanks to those who have supported them or a loved one during their hospital visit.
St Richard’s Hospital
A summer thank you lunch will be held on Friday 9 June at Chichester Park Hotel. Volunteers will each receive a thank you card and chocolates, and those who have reached the milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or an incredible 45 years will receive their volunteer long service award. Staff who receive volunteer help in their departments are also invited to come along to show their support and thanks.
The Big Help Out
Our voluntary services’ teams ran a number of activities as part of the national Big Help Out initiative, which took place on the final day of the Coronation Weekend.
Worthing and Southlands hospitals held a superhero event with a range of fun activities in Beach House Park, St Richard’s Hospital held a gardening clear-up for its 18th Century Garden, and Princess Royal and the Royal Sussex County hospitals delivered some sweet treats and drinks to staff who were working on Bank Holiday Monday.
Lend a helping hand
There are many ways you can support UHSussex through volunteering. In particular, the following hospitals have vacancies for specific roles:
- St Richard’s Hospital: Trolley volunteers (newspaper & confectionary) and gardening volunteers
- Royals Sussex County Hospital: The team are looking for volunteers to support various areas in the Louisa Martindale Building once it opens its doors to patients later this month.
To find out more and to apply, please visit the volunteering page on our website.
Check out the @UHS Volunteers Instagram where our Voluntary Services’ Teams will be sharing quotes and thank you messages from staff and patients throughout Volunteers’ Week.