The Mayor of Kendal, Richard Sutton, recently paid a special visit to Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal as part of his focus on volunteering during his Mayoral year.
Richard met with three dedicated volunteers and learned about their invaluable contributions to patient care and experience at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT).
The volunteers – Anne Handley, Malcolm Bannister and John Williamson – are part of the Trust’s 350-strong group of volunteers.
Richard was welcomed to WGH by Shirley Rigby, Patient Experience Coordinator from the Patient Experience Team and Simon Rigg, Communications Manager (Partnerships), from the Communications Team.
Richard spoke with Malcolm who has been volunteering at the front desk at WGH for five years on Monday mornings, serving as one of the first faces patients and visitors see when they arrive at the hospital. His welcoming presence helps orient people and he provides essential information during what can often be stressful times.
Malcolm said he likes making people feel at ease who might be nervous in the hospital situation. When he leaves at the end of his shift, he feels happy to have helped the community.
Richard also chatted with Anne Handley who volunteers at the hospital’s Westmorland Café in the Outpatients’ Department, which was formerly run by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS). The cafe provides a vital space for patients, visitors and staff to take a break and find refreshment.
Anne has been volunteering at the cafe once a week for more than 20 years since her retirement. She said she enjoys meeting people and spending time in good company.
John, who leads the hospital’s Bay Trust Radio service, showed Richard around the Radio Station. The station brings entertainment and companionship to patients across the wards. With 41 years of dedicated service to Bay Trust Radio (and 10 years with Radio Derby), John has seen the service grow and evolve, even receiving recognition with a Queen’s Award.
John’s volunteering began with a planned six-month commitment that has now stretched into decades of devoted service. He said he does it to give back to the community in his free time and through the radio station, he gives the listener, when in hospital, some enjoyment to take their mind of their problems and relieve boredom.
The Mayor said his interest in hospital volunteering stems from his own experience with Meals on Wheels through the RVS in Kendal, giving him first-hand understanding of the rewards and challenges of volunteer work.
He learned about the comprehensive support system that exists for volunteers at UHMBT, including training, ongoing supervision and the important principle that volunteers enhance rather than replace paid staff positions.
Richard’s visit highlighted the remarkable dedication of hospital volunteers who come from all walks of life – from recent retirees seeking to give back to their community, to those who have personally benefited from hospital care and want to help others. Some volunteers even return to the same wards where they once worked as paid staff, though with carefully defined new roles that complement rather than duplicate professional medical care. UHMBT relies on its dedicated volunteers to provide additional support, companionship and practical help that enhances the patient experience.
Shirley said: “I would like to thank all of our amazing volunteers for their hard work and dedication. Most of our volunteers do it because they want to give something back and to support the hospital. They want to help other people and volunteering a very sociable thing to do.
“We continue to welcome new volunteers and all applications are processed through the Patient Experience Team. Training is provided for all roles, ensuring volunteers can contribute safely and effectively within their designated responsibilities.
“We have a small army of volunteers who contribute countless hours to supporting the hospital and we are very thankful for that.”
Information on volunteering is available on the UHMBT website on this link.