Last chance to nominate amazing hospital volunteers in awards debut
Volunteers who dedicate their time to helping patients, visitors and colleagues are being given their chance to shine at a hospital Trust’s awards ceremony.
For the first time, more than 830 volunteers at Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals, or those at the other community hospital sites, are now eligible for a brand new category, Volunteer of the Year.
Jonathan Wright, Volunteers’ Manager for Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our volunteers are truly invaluable and freely give their time to support our services, constantly helping improve the patient, visitor and staff experiences.
“Whether they are volunteering on a reception desk, in one of our charity shops, as a feeding buddy on a ward, as a Care Cars driver, on the tea round in the chemotherapy unit, or visiting people with a therapy dog, they positively touch the lives of our patients in so many different ways. They are so deserving of this new award category.”
Dawn Scrafield, Chief Executive of the Trust and Head Judge for the Shine Awards, now in their sixth year, said: "We are incredibly proud of our volunteers and this new award is testament to that. They have an impact on every part of our hospitals and I know from talking to patients and colleagues how valued and respected they are.
"Without the hours and weeks and the commitment they put into the Trust we would not be able to run our hospitals as we do. I’m thrilled that this new award gives patients, their relatives, staff they help support and the public the opportunity to give their thanks with a nomination in recognition of all they do.”
To nominate a volunteer, or Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust staff across nine other award categories, visit: https://www.mse.nhs.uk/shine-staff-awards.
Nominations close on Sunday 26 April at 11.59pm. Judging will then take place and a shortlist drawn up. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in October.