From the 1 to the 7 June Volunteers Week was an opportunity for us to celebrate the many volunteers who work alongside us and our partners to make a difference for our patients. Our social media channels have been full of pictures and inspiration from some of the volunteers who help across our services.

From Lord Simon and Blue the dogs and their owners Claudia and Penny, who volunteer with Pets As Therapy, to James and Mark, who offer a smile and a friendly word in their roles as ‘meeters and greeters’, and the countless others who volunteer with us – each one brings a special something to the experience of our patients and visitors.

Penny with Blue the dog and Claudia with Lord Simon

Highlights from ‘Volunteers Week 2023 at the Royal Devon include:

A special welcome!

Thanks and sweet treats for all North Devon District Hospital ward volunteers this week to show how grateful we are for their involvement.

Proud presentations

It’s been a very special Volunteers Week – with the contributions of so many volunteers celebrated across our social media channels. But special congratulations go to Alexandrea Thomas and to Becky Harman.

Alexandrea was presented with the National Volunteer Certificate for her commitment to volunteering, and for using skills learnt from Health Education England Volunteer Passport Training. Alexandrea is one of our Youth Volunteers, learning all about the NHS as a volunteer to help fulfil her ambition to become a midwife.

Alexandrea receiving her award from Jason Lugg, Director of Nursing (Northern services)

Becky Harman and Alexandrea Thomas with Volunteers Services Coordinator Andrea Mackown

Becky also received a National Volunteer Certificate this week. Becky volunteers because “the NHS saved both mine and my little boy’s lives, and I wanted to give something back.

“There have been so many best parts to my volunteering but the highlights so far, were being told that I could help on Caroline Thorpe Ward, gaining the National Volunteer Certificate, and my nomination to attend the NHS75 service. Being thanked and recognised by staff each week is also the very best.”

Volunteer Services Administrator Andrea Mackown said “I am so proud of our first two volunteers who have achieved the standard required to gain their National Volunteer Certificates. It has been my absolute pleasure supporting these lovely ladies to get their award.”  

There are more volunteers than we can possibly mention – but every single one gets a huge thank you for their contribution to our patients and their families.