Staff, patients and the wider community all benefit from the support of Kingston Hospital’s fantastic team of volunteers. For those who join Kingston Hospital’s volunteering programme, it provides an opportunity to meet new friends, while getting a real buzz knowing they’re making a difference, helping to lift the experience of patients and their families. Volunteers comment on the positive impact helping to make a difference at their local hospital has made on their lives, keeping them active while improving their self-confidence and motivation.

Gaye, an AAU Ward helper, said:

 “I started volunteering 15 years ago …….. as a thank you for the care that was provided for my mum, but now I love being part of the team and helping them with things they don’t always have time to do. I also help by feeding the patients. I enjoy having a nice chat with patients who might be feeling anxious, lonely or would just like to talk.
I love what I do, being a ward helper covers a multitude of things, sometimes it can be a challenge but its such fun. AAU are a nice bunch and it’s nice to help them in the day, AAU sometimes say when I come in ‘it’s happy Wednesday as Gaye is here’, and they are always pleased to see me.
I really enjoy meeting the volunteers at the Summer and Christmas events that are held each year which gives me an opportunity to see what the other volunteers do. I have also made friends with a few volunteers from different roles and it’s nice to have a laugh with them.”

There is a range of volunteer roles available at Kingston Hospital to suit peoples time commitments and interests. There is also scope to help Kingston Hospital Charity, assisting in the office and helping out at events.

Kingston Hospital’s Volunteering Team would like to hear from anyone interested in helping Kingston Hospital or Kingston Hospital Charity in this way. Contact them now by emailing khft.volunteering@nhs.net or calling 0208 934 2549.