Chief Executive Officer Tony Spotswood with Mary Wrighton, Blue Coat volunteer, during the Ward 16 tea round on Friday 12 February
The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (RBCH) is looking for ‘Blue Coat’ volunteers to support staff and patients.
There are many different volunteering opportunities on offer, including becoming a mealtime companion for patients who need assistance or company during meal times, charity shop volunteers, dementia companions and many more.
A volunteer recruitment presentation is being held at 6pm on Thursday 3 March in the Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s (RBH) lecture theatre. It is an opportunity to find out more about volunteering at RBCH and to sign up.
Chief Executive Officer, Tony Spotswood, spent a morning on Ward 16 on Friday 12 February to experience what it was like to be a ‘Blue Coat’ volunteer. Tony helped one of the Trust’s volunteers with the ward’s tea round and said afterwards: “The volunteers are part of the lifeblood of the hospital. They make a huge difference both to patients and staff.
“I really want to thank all of our volunteers and encourage anyone interested to get in touch. There are so many opportunities to give and to get back.”
Mary Wrighton, retired nurse and volunteer at RBH since 1991, said: “I began volunteering after an appeal following the Gulf War. I was having withdrawal symptoms from being in a hospital because I enjoy caring for people.
“As a volunteer you become part of the team. When I was younger I used to go dancing with the staff after work. Volunteering allows you to meet new people and I enjoy feeling useful. I would highly recommend it.”
To book a place on the volunteers recruitment event, please phone 01202 704690 leaving a clear message with your name and contact details.
Interested in the volunteer recruitment evening. Please send details