Volunteers' Summer Lunch Party

The Ipswich Hospital’s volunteers were thrown a thank you party this week as part of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the NHS.

A celebration summer lunch party was held on Tuesday, July 8, in celebration of the hard work the volunteers contribute and the difference they make to patient care.

The hospital has 400 volunteers across the hospital, helping in a variety of ways from visiting lonely youngsters on the children’s wards to greeting and offering support to patients.

Hospital Chairman Mike Brookes said: “This hospital would not be the great place that it is without the immense support we get from our volunteers.
“This celebration was just a small token of our appreciation to those who work tirelessly and never ask for thanks.”

Hugh Pocock has been a volunteer/presenter with Hospital Radio Ipswich for ten years. He said: "It's a pleasure being a volunteer. Everyone who works at the hospital is here to keep the patients happy and knowing I'm a part of that is a great feeling."

The event included a saxophonist, a quiz and a summer buffet and strawberries and cream. Guests also received an update from hospital Chief Executive Andrew Reed on the hospital’s plans for the coming year, including working towards becoming a foundation trust and a focus on patient safety and infection control.

The hospital has held a series of events to mark NHS 60, including a Royal Opening of the Garrett Anderson treatment centre, a 1940s tea party and an art project themed ‘Pride’.

If you are interested in joining the hospital as a volunteer, please contact the Voluntary Services Office on 01473 704110 for further information.