Sherwood Forest Hospitals celebrates its Volunteers as part of Volunteers Week

This week is Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) and we’re celebrating our 400 volunteers and the difference they make to patients across Sherwood Forest Hospitals.

Many people don’t see the impact our volunteers make and how they are a vital part in the running of our hospitals. That’s why taking the time out to celebrate our volunteers this week is important. 

This year’s theme is ‘Celebrate and Inspire’ and this is certainly what a lot of our volunteers do.

Heather Quinn, 18, from Caunton, is one of 118 volunteers at Newark Hospital.

Heather started volunteering more than two years ago as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) she was working towards. Heather volunteered three hours a week on the helpdesk, giving directions to patients and visitors as well as answering their queries.

She said: “I loved it so much I just wanted to carry on. I really like helping and meeting new people, so it was a great opportunity.” 

Heather, who represented Great Britain in the World Sailing Championships in 2022, was recently presented with her DofE Award at Buckingham Palace, attended by the Duke of Edinburgh.

As well as helping to complete her DofE, volunteering has been a fantastic opportunity for Heather and has helped her secure a place at the University of Exeter to study Medicine in September.

Heather said she would recommend volunteering to anyone.

She said: “It’s great for improving your communication skills and gives you opportunities that you don’t get anywhere else. It’s great at developing you as a person. I’d also really recommend anyone who wants to study medicine or go for a healthcare role as it definitely helps with your personal statement.”

Heather also had some great advice for someone who is considering becoming a volunteer. She said “Be as confident as you can. You need to be willing to work as a team and always ask questions if you’re not sure.”

This Volunteers’ Week, Sherwood Forest Hospitals will be celebrating the difference our team of volunteers make to the organisation with thank you cards, recognition posters in public areas and social media activity.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals has 389 volunteers providing much-needed support to help keep our hospitals running, with 271 volunteers at King’s Mill Hospital. Our volunteers provide an average of 967 hours of support to patients and staff each week, which equates to 50,284 hours per year.

There are 30 volunteer roles within the Trust including wayfinding, helping patients to stay in touch with their loved ones, clinic and ward support, community hub and refreshment areas.

Jo Thornley, Community Involvement Manager, said: “Volunteers provide such a valuable service to patients, visitors, and staff. We are blessed to have no shortage of dedicated and willing volunteers who bring an array of skills and life experience to the Trust. It’s wonderful to hear success stories such as those who go on to secure further study or employment or gain new knowledge and skills.”

To find out more about volunteering, visit Sherwood Forest Hospitals (sfh-tr.nhs.uk)