Christmas thank you for volunteers

A Christmas lunch was held on Monday 12 December to thank the volunteers who give up their time to support staff to care for patients.

This year, 670 volunteers gave more than 32,000 hours of their time in a wide range of roles across both hospital and community services.

More than 150 volunteers attended the Christmas lunch during which certificates were presented to long-serving volunteers for everything they do by Jo Carter, Director of Nursing for Medical Specialties. Sir Hugh Taylor, Trust Chairman, gave a speech to thank volunteers for all their contributions over the year.

There was also an appearance by Santa (aka Matron Sanjeev Heemraz), who delivered a present to each of the volunteers. The gifts were generously donated by LloydsPharmacy.

Itenz Falconer (pictured) has volunteered at St Thomas’ for 11 years.  Itenz works in the South Wing corridor and helps to direct people around the hospital and answer any questions they may have.

Itenz said: “I really enjoy volunteering here at St Thomas’. The nurses and doctors are amazing, and I like to give my time to help them.”

Margaret Fletcher (pictured below) volunteers in the chaplaincy team on both St Thomas’ and Guy’s hospital sites. Margaret was presented with a long-service award for volunteering at the Trust for more than 15 years.

Sarah Allen, Head of Patient Experience, said: “We’re immensely grateful to our volunteers for their dedication and commitment to so many different areas of the Trust. This event is just a small way we can say thank you.”

Find out more about volunteering at Guy’s and St Thomas’.