Volunteers thanked for supporting the NHS
1 June 2021
Leaders at Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust (Shropcom) have today issued a heartfelt thanks to their army of volunteers – who have been at the forefront of the organisation’s covid response.
Today marks the start of Volunteers’ Week, which runs until 7 June and recognises the work of literally millions of people across the country, who give their time willingly to support their local community. And Shropcom is taking the opportunity to highlight the vital contribution volunteers make, in a variety of roles, to the care of its patients and service users.
Steve Gregory, Executive Director of Nursing and Operations said: ‘Volunteers play a key role in supporting the work of our Trust.
‘They can be found in many services across Shropcom, from enriching patients’ experiences at our community hospitals to shaping the future of services through our Patient and Carer Volunteer Group.
‘We would like to thank every person who has volunteered at Shropcom for sharing their time, expertise and enthusiasm with us, we really appreciate everything you do.’
Three NHS volunteers have played particularly important roles at Shropcom over the course of the pandemic. Chris Williams, David Blythe and Geraint Howells have volunteered as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Logistics Assistants at the Trust since June 2020.
They have been the ‘face of PPE Logistics’ responsible for collecting PPE stock from The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and delivering it throughout the county to ensure all Shropcom Community Services are kept well supplied and always able to access the correct PPE.
Liz Watkins Head of Infection Prevention and Control said: ‘The work they have done with the PPE Logistics Team ensured that none of our staff experienced shortages in Personal Protective Equipment and I thank them wholeheartedly for helping to make this happen.’
Volunteer Chris Williams said: ‘Volunteering in the PPE logistics role has given me an opportunity to work with some great people at Shropcom and provided me with a real sense of purpose during the Covid pandemic.
‘It has been quite an active role over the last 12 months and so an unexpected benefit is that my waistline hasn't expanded too much during lockdown!'’
David Blythe who also volunteered added: ‘During lockdown volunteering gave me a sense of purpose rather than just sitting around at home. It was good to get out and about and be involved in a key role for the NHS during a challenging time.’
Anyone who is interested in becoming an NHS Volunteer should visit https://nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/
Pic caption: Geraint Howells, David Blythe, Chris Williams. Photographs taken adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Steve Gregory, Executive Director of Nursing and Operations said: ‘Volunteers play a key role in supporting the work of our Trust.
‘They can be found in many services across Shropcom, from enriching patients’ experiences at our community hospitals to shaping the future of services through our Patient and Carer Volunteer Group.
‘We would like to thank every person who has volunteered at Shropcom for sharing their time, expertise and enthusiasm with us, we really appreciate everything you do.’
Three NHS volunteers have played particularly important roles at Shropcom over the course of the pandemic. Chris Williams, David Blythe and Geraint Howells have volunteered as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Logistics Assistants at the Trust since June 2020.
They have been the ‘face of PPE Logistics’ responsible for collecting PPE stock from The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and delivering it throughout the county to ensure all Shropcom Community Services are kept well supplied and always able to access the correct PPE.
Liz Watkins Head of Infection Prevention and Control said: ‘The work they have done with the PPE Logistics Team ensured that none of our staff experienced shortages in Personal Protective Equipment and I thank them wholeheartedly for helping to make this happen.’
Volunteer Chris Williams said: ‘Volunteering in the PPE logistics role has given me an opportunity to work with some great people at Shropcom and provided me with a real sense of purpose during the Covid pandemic.
‘It has been quite an active role over the last 12 months and so an unexpected benefit is that my waistline hasn't expanded too much during lockdown!'’
David Blythe who also volunteered added: ‘During lockdown volunteering gave me a sense of purpose rather than just sitting around at home. It was good to get out and about and be involved in a key role for the NHS during a challenging time.’
Anyone who is interested in becoming an NHS Volunteer should visit https://nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/
Pic caption: Geraint Howells, David Blythe, Chris Williams. Photographs taken adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Notes for editors
Notes to Editors:Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust is the NHS organisation responsible for providing community health services to the people of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
For more information contact Anna Chesterton, Communications Officer by emailing anna.chesterton@nhs.net
Page last reviewed: 29 September 2021
Next review due: 1 October 2024