NHS Tayside celebrates its fantastic volunteers

NHS Tayside said a big ‘thank you’ to its many volunteers as part of the annual Volunteer’s Week celebration last week.

Staff from the volunteer service teams and members of Tayside NHS board hosted a series of celebrations where they were able to chat to volunteers and thank them for their service.

A number of long service certificates were given to volunteers who have been with NHS Tayside for many years, with those with more than five, 10, 15 and 20 years of service being recognised for their achievements.

A special mention went to Margaret Storm, a volunteer driver at Cornhill Macmillan Centre with more than 25 years service.

Staff from voluntary services created a video to send their thanks to those volunteers who have continued with their service during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as those who have played their part in helping to reduce the spread by staying at home. The team is looking forward to welcoming back more volunteers as COVID-19 restrictions ease further.

NHS Tayside chair Lorna Birse-Stewart also recorded a video message to thank all the volunteers on behalf of the board and Tayside Health Fund.

She said: “Our volunteers are a valued and vitally important part of the NHS Tayside team.

“I look forward to being able to thank some of them in person as soon as COVID-19 restrictions allow us to get together.”

Volunteers come from all walks of life making valuable contributions which enhance the patient experience. People come to volunteering for many different reasons, including to give something back, to learn new skills, to meet new people and to keep active but all have the same thing in common – to make a difference.