THE dedication of more than 100 volunteers who help patients at Derby's two hospitals has been recognised.
The Long Service Awards ceremony saw people rewarded for five, ten, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years of voluntary service.
Almost 500 volunteers provide a crucial service to support patients and visitors at both the Royal Derby Hospital and London Road Community Hospital.
These volunteers give essential support to the health service by, among other things, meeting and greeting the million patients a year who use the hospitals, operate buggy services and help in the bereavement office.
Yesterday, the long-serving volunteers were given gifts to thank them for their efforts and were then treated to a dinner.
Among those at the event, held at the Royal Derby Hospital, was Dorothy Roberts who has volunteered in Derby for 40 years.
Dorothy, who lives in Allestree, said: "Me and my husband moved up from St Albans in 1966 and one of the mums at my son's school suggested I begin volunteering.
"I started at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, as it was then, and, when that shut, moved to the Derby Road Community Hospital.
"I began just doing one day a week in the tea rooms each Thursday afternoon. Then, 17 years ago, my husband died and I had more time on my hands so I began coming in on Mondays as well."
Oddly for someone who has spent more than 40,000 hours in hospitals, Dorothy says they are not her favourite places to be – however, it has made her an expert tea maker.
She said: "I actually don't like hospitals. I tried doing a trolley round but it wasn't really for me.
"I have learnt a huge amount about how people like their tea though – and what can be done with just one tea bag.
"It is fantastic and I really enjoy helping at the tea rooms. I get an awful lot out of it.
"You might think you have a headache or a pain and then you see what is there and it stops that."
Most of the attendees at yesterday's awards were, not surprisingly, older people, however, sixth-form school students also volunteer.
They help with Derby Hospitals Trust's Mealtime Support project, working alongside nursing staff to support many frail elderly patients. Almost 100 pupils take part in the scheme each year.
Chief nurse Cathy Winfield said: "Our volunteers provide a crucial service across so many areas of our hospitals and their caring, compassionate manner means so much to patients and visitors.
"Today's awards are an opportunity for the trust to thank them all for their tireless service and dedication.
"I would like to pay my own personal tribute to each and every hospital volunteer for the work they do."
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
