Local healthcare volunteers acknowledged for their invaluable support in national awards
Two members of South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) have been recognised in the Helpforce Champion Awards for their commitment to volunteering in healthcare.
Katherine Healey, Volunteer at Leamington Rehabilitation Hospital, and Alison Cooke, Lead Nurse for the Volunteer Service within the Trust’s Community Children’s Nursing Team, both came in the top three for their categories in the awards ceremony. The event celebrates the invaluable contributions made by volunteers across the UK during an extremely turbulent year.
Katherine, who was highly commended, is not only finishing her Neuroscience Masters at the University of Birmingham but she is also registered blind and works as a carer in the community. Her role as volunteer supports the rehabilitation patients on a one-to-one basis, which is a very emotionally intense activity.
Katherine’s nomination said: “She can be relied upon to be mature, confidential and reliable. Her degree has helped immensely and she has built excellent relationships with all of the staff. The patients love her. Katherine always takes time to really get to know a person.”
Katherine said: "I started volunteering to help people and give something back to the community. I come in every time just to be there for the patients, to listen and also be a companion. Even if they forget they are a patient for 15 minutes whilst chatting to me over a board game or going to the therapy garden, that is still a difference and you can see it on the patient's faces. The staff are wonderful to work with and I am grateful to have learnt so much from them. It has given me great confidence and helped me grow with experience relevant for my career.'
To read more about why Katherine was nominated, visit here: https://helpforce.community/connecting/news-stories/katherine-is-consistently-above-and-beyond
Alison Cooke was a finalists in the category "Outstanding Staff Champion for Volunteers".
Alison’s nomination said: “Since being appointed, Alison has enthusiastically transformed the service which has gone from strength to strength. She has driven forward a much more inclusive and far-reaching health and social care service, one that fits the needs of South Warwickshire complex needs children, their families and supports the staff who care for them.”
To read more about why Alison was nominated and selected as a finalist, visit here: https://helpforce.community/connecting/news-stories/lead-nurse-alison-cooke-is-the-driving-force-for-the-volunteer-service-at-south-warwickshire-foundation-trust
The dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers at SWFT are an integral part of the Trust. They play a vital role in adding value to services and enhancing patient experience by supporting staff, patients and carers within our hospitals and the local community. During 2020/21 your local NHS Trust had over 100 dedicated volunteers, who contributed an overwhelming 13,500 hours.
Fran Docherty, Lead for Volunteer Services, said: “We are extremely grateful to all our volunteers who dedicate their time to help support our Trust to continue to deliver outstanding care to the people of Warwickshire. The Helpforce Champions Awards are the perfect opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions made by volunteers and staff and hope these stories also inspire you to make a difference. To read more about how volunteers enhance patient care at SWFT and how you can become a volunteer visit: www.swft.nhs.uk/join-us/volunteer."
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