Hospital bosses serve up Christmas lunches to thank volunteers

Staff at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust held the celebrations for their volunteers across both Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley District Hospital.

The events included a presentation of long service awards for 10, 20 and, in one case, even 50 years’ voluntary service.

Sylvia Turner, volunteers manager at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said: “Volunteers make a massive difference to our organisation and their dedication is second to none.

“We currently have nearly 700 volunteers ranging in age from 16 to 95.

“They carry out a diverse range of activities and work across all areas in the hospitals from working on hospital radio, to assisting patients at meal times and generally engaging and supporting patients.

“Their contribution cannot be lightly underestimated, giving their time so generously.”

“They give their time so generously to support patients and their families. We have a huge variety of volunteers who have been with us for so many years, and make a huge difference to our organisation.

“We want to say a huge thank you to all of our volunteers for consistently going above and beyond to help and support our patients and visitors.”

Christmas dinners were given out to volunteers from members of the executive team, as well as hospital governors and members of staff.

Karen Partington, chief executive at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said: “It was our pleasure and privilege to serve our volunteers for a change.

“I want to say a huge thank you to all of our volunteers for everything that they do to contribute to the care that we provide to our patients.”