Meet the team of volunteers who, for the past five years, have been going above and beyond to welcome people coming to Craigavon Area Hospital.
Patients and visitors alike, these very special 18 people have been there to guide the way.
And they do it free of charge and simply driven by the need to help others.
As a small reward – and to mark their five years of dedicated service – a special celebratory ‘afternoon tea’ was hosted by Debbie Burns, the Southern Trust’s Interim Director of Acute Services.
Gerardette McVeigh, Trust Volunteer Co-ordinator for Craigavon and Banbridge, helped arrange the celebration event.
“This aim of this volunteer service was to provide information, directions and assistance as required by patients and visitors to the hospital and the service has gone from strength to strength, demonstrating success in creating a welcoming and helpful atmosphere,” she said.
“The service continually gets positive feedback from service users and staff and they have also won a Trust excellence award in 2011 under the volunteering section.
“The volunteers are very committed and work well together. You will always be greeted with a friendly approach and smiling face.”
Sylvia Gibson is one of the original volunteers.
She outlined her reasons for getting involved.
“Volunteering on the Here to Help desk has given me great satisfaction,” she explained. “It is a very busy service and knowing I am helping others makes me feel good.”
Debbie Burns, Interim Director of Acute Services thanked the volunteers, and said: “It is a privilege for me to acknowledge the tremendous contribution our dedicated volunteers have made in the last five years.
“Staff, patients and visitors all value the contribution provided by volunteers who use their wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to provide a unique caring environment for all.”
Pictured: Volunteers and Southern Trust staff pictured at the recent volunteer ‘afternoon tea’ celebration in Craigavon Area Hospital
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