The NHS has thanked tens of thousands of volunteers for helping to keep the service running. New figures show that over 71,000 people volunteered at the NHS, completing basic tasks such as admin, collecting medications and directing people around hospitals. In Volunteers’ week the NHS has thanked those who have given up their time, people who cite a number of reasons for their involvement – from recommendations from friends to helping family.
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‘They really looked after my wife, so I decided to apply to become a volunteer. I love it. I get to meet different people; it keeps me young and fit,’ said Alan from Watford General Hospital, who had been volunteering for a decade. ‘It’s special to me because I get to meet people, understand what they are going through and it reminds me how lucky I am that at my age I still do things I love, like volunteering. That’s the best part of it.’
Millions of volunteer hours filled in gaps left by workforce shortages. In total, volunteers aged from 17 to over 80 donated over 6.4 million hours of their time over the last year alone.
‘This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to every one of our 70,000 volunteers who make such a valuable contribution to the NHS and its patients,’ said Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England. ‘There are so many different volunteering roles that people can take part in whether they’re old or young which can help you learn new skills, meet people, and even give you a taste of what it would be like to join our fantastic workforce. If you are interested in volunteering in the NHS, you can find out more information by visiting the NHS volunteering website and hear about opportunities near you.’