Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital have celebrated the invaluable contributions of their volunteers at a special awards ceremony and dinner.
With over 500 volunteers contributing 23,400 hours this year, the awards recognised the most inspirational individuals based on feedback from patients.
Jean Walker, 83, won the “back from retirement” award for returning to volunteer after a remarkable 56-year nursing career. Having officially retired at 73 following four decades in the emergency department at Hull Royal, Ms Walker said she felt compelled to return to A&E as a volunteer.
“Having been a nurse myself for so long, it really helps as I understand the pressures the teams are under,” she said. “I help wherever I can, stocking up, making drinks for visitors, and doing the jobs staff don’t have time to, to allow them to spend more time caring for patients.”
Volunteer Denis Lockwood and his therapy dog, Barney, received the “Pawesome Pooch” award for spending the most hours visiting patients. Barney, a cockerpoo, is one of 11 therapy dogs praised for their “miraculous” effect on patient wellbeing.
Julie Marshall, who runs a mobile shop at Castle Hill and has raised over £4,000 this year, was also honoured.
Meanwhile, Graham Gedney, a volunteer since 2002, was recognised with an award for “going above and beyond.” He supports the emergency department by conducting surveys and spending time with patients and families.
“It makes it all worthwhile when people say thank you, and tell you you’ve made a difference for them,” Mr Gedney said.
Rachael Hardcastle-Pearce, who manages the volunteers, highlighted the opportunities available for people of all ages, whether younger individuals looking to advance their studies or careers, or older volunteers wanting to stay active and use their skills.
“The volunteers provide staff with invaluable support, and the hospitals would be lost without them,” she said.
