THE dedication and hardwork of volunteers at Wirral's hospitals is celebrated as part of a recruitment drive this week.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital, which runs Arrowe Park, Clatterbridge and Wirral Women and Children’s Hospital is shining a light on those who give up their free time to play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff, as part of Volunteers' Week. 

From the reception desk, throughout the public areas of the building and into many of its unseen parts, volunteers are on hand, offering support to all who need it.

They help with day-to-day activities, to keep the hospital running smoothly and help to make it a little more friendly and comfortable for everyone.

In March, a number of the hospitals' existing volunteers, who were older members of the community, had to self-isolate due to the COVID-19 situation.

An urgent appeal went out for new volunteers to fill the gap; the response was immediate, with 238 people coming forward, many of them starting within couple of weeks.

Meeting the challenges of COVID-19 has meant the last couple of months have been particularly busy in the Trust and volunteers have provided crucial support throughout the hospital.

Volunteers aren't directly involved in patient care, but support they provide means those on the frontline have more time to look after their patients.

Janelle Holmes, chief executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to our fantastic volunteers who have given their free time to help us at the Trust.

"We had an overwhelming response to the appeal for volunteers during this busy time.

"Their help has been invaluable to both staff and patients.

"During Volunteers' Week we want to say 'thank you' for the outstanding support you have given us, this has helped our staff concentrate on providing the best care possible to our patients."

Volunteers are usually seen in the reception area, the League of Friends shop, assisting WUTH Charity and on the wards.

In addition, in recent weeks new areas, such as estates and facilities, the family support unit, wellbeing hubs, pharmacy, goods distribution and materials management, transport, communications and human resources have all benefitted from willing pairs of hands.

The volunteers have come from all parts of our community, but they all have one thing in common, their motivation to help others.

Among them is Poojah Ward, a medical student. She said: "I volunteered because I'd finished university early and thought it would be a good idea to support the frontline staff in the crisis at the moment.

"We support the hospital staff so they can do their job that they need to do better.

"I really enjoy working in the team and giving back to the community, the team is brilliant to work with.

"I'd definitely recommend volunteering to anyone who has the time."

There is an increasing range of opportunities available to prospective volunteers and if you are seeking a worthwhile and rewarding role helping to support and develop services and enhance the quality of our patients’ stay in hospital, then volunteering may be for you.

Volunteer Joe Smallwood said: "It’s good to have a flexible workforce that can quickly be assigned to a problem when it pops up.

"Recently, some masks needed to be labeled and the people were busy. A group of volunteers got the job done in an hour.”

Paul Dixon added: "We're all different ages and have different experiences and I think we’ve all got something to offer.

"You learn something every day. I always look forward to my days here and I'd recommend volunteering to anyone." 

Andrew Ewan said: "I've been volunteering for 15½ years. I wanted to help out and it’s a great way to meet people.

"I think we make life easier for the staff. I’d absolutely recommend volunteering, it’s great fun and very rewarding."

Anita Adiga: "As a medical student, I felt that I would have the skills and experience to be able to help on the wards.

"I believe that volunteers make an immense difference to the hospital. Helping out with patients and their relatives, putting their minds at ease, so that they know they're in the right place and they're in safe hands.

"Also helping out and easing the workload of the staff in the hospital. I'd definitely recommend volunteering to other people.

"It's really improved my communication skills and has also given me a wider understanding of how the hospital works and the amazing things that the staff do here."

If you are interested in volunteering, go to https://www.wuth.nhs.uk/careers/volunteering/ for more details.