Wirral Hospital shines a spotlight on Volunteers in Annual Engagement Celebration
Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) honoured its invaluable volunteers at the annual Volunteer Engagement Event held on Monday 13th November. Over 60 volunteers gathered for the second face-to-face annual meeting since the pandemic.
Approximately 180 volunteers, integral to providing high-quality care and support at WUTH, were thanked for all their contributions to the Trust. The event began with afternoon tea, setting the stage for an evening focused on recognising the volunteers' outstanding efforts over the past 12 months.
In her opening welcome, Dr. Nikki Stevenson, Executive Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive at WUTH, expressed her gratitude to all the dedicated volunteers.
Dr. Stevenson said: “Volunteers play a vital role in our healthcare community. Their commitment is highly valued by all our staff and patients. They contribute significantly to our commitment of providing excellent patient care.”
Saratu Okusi-Daniels shared her volunteering experience at the Trust, noting the significance of events like these, in being able to share their perspectives on improving the overall patient experience. Saratu spoke about her involvement in a recent initiative whereby the Trust has hosted an exhibition of art by patient Professor John Hyatt from Liverpool School of Art. Saratu has been helping at the exhibition by guiding visitors around the pictures and explaining why it’s taking place.
She said: “I love supporting WUTH, and have enjoyed my role in the pop-up Art Exhibition very much. It is a great opportunity to meet people and discuss what’s going on in the hospital.”
The event served as a platform to share the developments based on feedback from the previous year's event and provide details on the Trust’s plans for the upcoming months.
Those attending had the opportunity to share their feedback, actively contributing to shaping priorities for the coming year.
The event unfolded in three distinct parts:
Sharing Developments: Plans and developments implemented since the previous year were communicated, showcasing the positive impact of volunteer input on the hospital's progress.
Interactive Session: Guests engaged in developing ways in which they can help the Trust over the next year.
Celebration: The evening concluded with a heartfelt celebration by sharing firsthand accounts and providing insights into what makes supporting the Trust truly special.
Hayley Rigby, Associate Director of Organisational Development at WUTH, said: “Our team of volunteers are amazing and the time they give up to support our Patients and Visitors is brilliant. We have a wide variety of roles available for anyone who has time to spare.
“People give up their time for a variety of reasons, be it to gain work experience before they go to university or a great stepping stone into full time employment. For others, it is also aa great way to remain active in the Community.
“Most want to give something back to a hospital that has provided great care for them and their loved ones.”
In her closing remarks, Dr. Nikki Stevenson shared her sincere thanks on behalf of the Executive Team, WUTH staff, and the patients who benefit daily from the volunteers' support, a team of dedicated people who so warmly welcome everyone who come through our doors.
Pictured left to right - Dr. Nikki Stevenson, Executive Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive at WUTH, Hayley Rigby, Associate Director of Organisational Development at WUTH, Martin Block, Volunteer at WUTH, Saratu Okusi-Daniels, Volunteer at WUTH and Sandra Manning, Volunteer and Widening Participation Supervisor at WUTH.