Sunday chapel volunteers wanted at The Royal Oldham Hospital

Patrick Agnah about to take a down to the hospital chapel with chaplaincy co-ordinator Rev John Hall

The Royal Oldham Hospital need new volunteers who could spare a few hours on a Sunday morning helping to transport hospital patients to and from the hospital chapel.

Chaplaincy co-ordinator, Rev John Hall, said: “Every Sunday morning a service is held in the hospital chapel, led by one of the chaplains. This service is also broadcast on the hospital radio on the wards. We try and ask any patient who might like to attend chapel during the week, and then provide a list for our Sunday volunteers, who go in pairs to collect them in wheelchairs, and to sit with them in the service. They then return the patients to their ward in time for lunch.

“Any potential volunteers would need to be available between 9.30am until 12 noon on a Sunday. It doesn’t have to be every week and full training is provided. We have a dedicated and loyal group of volunteers, but our numbers could do with a boost as some volunteers have had to step down from their duties in recent months.”

Patrick Agnah is currently one of the Sunday volunteers. He said: “I have been doing this for three and a half years now. I find it is a great opportunity to meet with people outside of my regular week’s activities. I really enjoy talking to the patients as I learn so much from them and appreciate the broader quality of life.”

If you would like to explore this possibility please contact chaplaincy co-ordinator Rev John Hall on 0161 778 5259. There are also opportunities for spiritual care and chaplaincy volunteers who visit wards during the week; if this interests you, please contact Rev Hall.