The work and dedication of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust volunteers was celebrated at two dedicated events as part of National Volunteer’s Week.
Speaking at one of the events held at Wigan Cricket Club, alongside one held a Leigh Education Centre, WWL Chief Executive, Silas Nicholls, paid tribute to the volunteers.
He said: “Our volunteers really are the unsung heroes in our WWL workforce. Nothing is ever too much trouble for them, and they go above and beyond for both patients and staff.”
Dr Ward, who has volunteered for WWL since April 2021, said he was thrilled to win the award for his contribution to the team who deliver and retrieve pulse oximeters for COVID-19 positive patients self-isolating at home.
He said: “When I heard of my nomination and my subsequent win, I was both flattered and embarrassed since they are many people as active as I am volunteering in all walks of life without any recognition.”
Karen Downs, Clinical Quality Lead who manages the Oximetry at Home Service at WWL, said: “Maurice has always gone the extra mile during times of NHS breaking point in getting essential equipment to our patients - he certainly boosts our team morale when he comes into the hub to catch up with us and restock. We are so incredibly grateful for what our volunteers have enabled us to do as a service to provide in the pandemic and I am ecstatic we can celebrate them.”
Laura Milward, Volunteer Services Manager, said: “I would like to thank Maurice and all of our WWL volunteers for their unwavering support for both our patients and staff.”
WWL currently has 297 volunteers and is always on the lookout for more willing helpers to support its services. To sign up visit our website https://www.wwl.nhs.uk/volunteering-to-make-a-difference or email volunteer@wwl.nhs.uk