Volunteers recognised for valuable work

Volunteer of the Year, Rob Wilson with Amy Gibbons who co-ordinates the volunteer scheme

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Volunteers at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (HMR) have been recognised for the valuable work they do across the borough to enhance local health services and support patient care.

More than 250 people from various areas of the local community have signed up to NHS HMR’s volunteer scheme since its launch in June 2009.

At a celebratory event held at Nye Bevan House during National Volunteer Week, volunteers were awarded for the support they give not only to NHS HMR but also to patients, carers and many other people across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.

Rob Wilson from Middleton, who volunteers with the Health Trainer service, picked up this year’s ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award. “I didn’t think I’d get the award to be honest,” said a delighted Rob. “It’s a very nice surprise, especially as there are over 250 volunteers.”

Middleton Rotary Club member, Rob, lives by their motto – ‘service above self.’ He commits around 20 hours a week to support the service to help people across the borough live healthier and longer lives. By picking up a vast amount of experience in his role, he hopes to land his dream job in health promotion one day soon.

“I love this job, even if I was a multimillionaire I’d still want to do it,” continued Rob. “It’s my dream job, working with such caring people and helping to make a difference to my community – making it a healthier community.”

Amy Gibbons co-ordinates the volunteer scheme at NHS HMR. She said: “Without the hard work and dedication of all of our volunteers, we would not be able to provide such an enhanced health service across the borough.

“It’s important to us to celebrate their work and say a huge ‘thank you’ for their invaluable contribution over the last year. Every single one of them deserves recognition.”

Patient representative, Chris Houston from Wardle, volunteers to help NHS HMR improve the patient’s experience. “I think a lot of volunteer work goes unrecognised and it’s really innovative to have an awards ceremony like this. The NHS is a big place and it’s important the patient voice is heard and is used to help influence local service delivery.”

NHS HMR volunteers come from a variety of different cultural groups and backgrounds, with teams made up of former patients and staff, students and members of the local community. If you’re interested in volunteering call Amy on 01706 652 884 or e-mail amy.gibbons@hmr.nhs.uk

2010 Volunteer Awards - The results 

• Most dedicated and committed - Kiran Mahmood
• Most inspirational - Theresa Kandola
• Most committed to improving patient experience - Fred Walton and Sahimah Mehmood
• Volunteer of the Year -Rob Wilson