Volunteers were the VIP guests as NHS staff organised a special evening to thank them for everything they do.
As part of national volunteers week, University Hospitals Tees held a celebration event to show its appreciation for its volunteers.
The event, hosted at the University Hospital of North Tees, was a chance to thank the 400-strong group of volunteers across Stockton and Hartlepool, for everything that they do to support staff and patients across the organisation.
This year’s ‘Thank You Dinner’ welcomed volunteers to a bucks fizz reception, were entertained by pianist and member of the catering team, Ray Adavbiele, and watched a short video presentation showcasing some of the volunteers highlights and thank you messages from staff.
Group chair Derek Bell said: “My message is one of thanks to every one of our volunteers – without you we couldn’t do what we do.
“You do so much to support fellow colleagues and patients and you work with such passion and dedication.
“We hope this event we hold every year for you is a demonstration of the appreciation we have for you all.”
Celebrating those with milestones
The evening welcomed volunteers representing a variety of roles across the organisation, including hospital radio volunteers, mealtime companions, welcomers, drivers and chaplaincy.
It also celebrated some of our longest serving members, with dozens of volunteers reaching important milestones this year.
Certificates and long service badges were presented by Derek Bell and group chief executive Stacey Hunter to the volunteers who were in attendance.
Speaking at the event, group chief executive Stacey Hunter said: “The work that you all do here with us is massively impactful for our patients, their loved ones and for our staff
“Our whole focus is about doing the most we can do for our patients – and the only way we can do that is doing what we can to support our colleagues to be able to do their work to their very best.
“You are really helping us in this sense. We simply wouldn’t be able to do without the time and support you give us and your willingness to give us your own time to us.
“So, it’s a big thank you from me for everything you all do.”
A two-course meal was provided by the catering team at NTH Solutions, and both clinical and non-clinical staff from the Trust took the opportunity to share their thanks by waiting on volunteers for the night.
Trust head of volunteering, Paul Wharton said: “The volunteering team is so grateful to our volunteers for the time and the support they give to our organisation. All of our volunteers are dedicated to doing all they can to help our patients during their appointments or hospital stay.”
Thinking of volunteering?
If you are interested and would like to find out more about volunteering at the Trust, call 01642 383933 or email [email protected]
How to donate
You can help our volunteers in their work by donating to their Just Giving page.