Floyd Unit volunteer team wins Volunteer of the Year Award at Pennine Acute Trust’s staff awards

Members of the Floyd Unit Volunteer Team receive the volunteer from chairman John Jesky, chief executive Dr Gillian Fairfield, Bill Turnbull and Karen Topping from G4S Facilities Management

A team who provide a “triple star volunteer service” have won the Volunteer of the Year Award at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust sixth annual staff awards event.

BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull announced that the Floyd Unit Volunteer Team had won the award at anl awards ceremony at the Sheridan Suite in Manchester.

The Floyd Unit Volunteer team, from Birch Hill Hospital, provide a service to patients on the Floyd Unit who often have a neurological disability which may have occurred as a result of an accident or injury, or who require stroke rehabilitation.

The team of volunteers provide entertainment and stimulation for patients in the form of a film night and bingo sessions. There is also a ‘Pets as Therapy’ session held every fortnight with Maverick the Golden Retriever.

Karen Archibald, unit manager at the Trust, said: “I am over the moon that the Trust has recognised the enormous contribution that our volunteer services provide.

"Personally, I am very proud of the amazing work of Stewart, Sue, Marie and Maverick the dog with their contributions making a real and genuine difference to the clients’ experience."

Susan Hardiacre, from the Floyd Unit volunteer team, on receiving the award said: “We are all very proud to receive this award on behalf of the Floyd Unit. We are only giving back what the staff give the patients every day – total care.”

Presenting the awards, Bill Turnbull, said: "I was delighted to be part of the Pennine Acute Trust's annual staff awards. Such awards are a lovely way to recognise and thank local NHS staff and volunteers who really work hard to provide exceptional care to patients in their communities, often under pressure and huge demands. Presenting the Trust’s awards gave me a real insight into some of the great work taking place at Pennine's hospitals and out in the community."

The event was fully paid for and supported by a number of sponsors including: Weightmans Solicitors, Mitie, Vinci, Roche, G4S and Corporate Design Company. Trophies sourced by Lennard Trophies.