Hospital volunteers honoured at tea party (From Sutton Guardian)

Hospital volunteers honoured at tea party

2:00pm Saturday 29th September 2012 in News By Hannah Williamson

Hospital volunteers were honoured with a tea party at Epsom Racecourse yesterday.

The 450 volunteers who give up their time to support the running of Epsom, Sutton and St Helier Hospitals, enjoyed an afternoon of pampering, with cream tea and entertainment from singer Steve Bradford, whose hits include Moon River, at The Queen's Stand.

Guests were joined at the event by the Trust's Chief Executive Mathew Hopkins and MPs Tom Brake, Paul Burstow and Chris Grayling.

A number of volunteers were presented with long service awards in recognition of their 15 and 25 year long commitment to the hospitals.

Chief Executive Mathew Hopkins said: "In the past year alone, our wonderful volunteers, who range in age from 17 to 92 – have donated a staggering 68,256 hours of time, and for that, we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

"I am sure I speak on behalf of the Trust Board, our staff and our patients when I say that our volunteers are pillars of our hospitals – their contribution, from fundraising to guiding patients around our wards and departments, is invaluable to us, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them."

Lesley Scott, voluntary services manager for the Trust said: "The volunteers' tea party is a wonderful occasion for all of our volunteers to get together, relax and meet with senior members of staff from across our hospitals. It's a very proud day for everyone involved."

The Trust is keen to hear from potential volunteers, whatever skills you may have, and whatever age you are (minimum 17).

For more information about how to volunteer with us, or to find out more about the charities who support the work of our hospitals, visit epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/supportus.