Could the Mail’s army of volunteers help to save the NHS?
I WAS delighted to hear about the Mail’s hospital volunteer scheme. In the Fifties there was a similar scheme called the Hospital Reserve. We had six weeks of training in a Red Cross centre then I was sent to the Western and Knightswood hospitals in Glasgow. I did three hours a week and worked for four years. I loved the work and like to think we were a great help in the wards. During a flu epidemic we were asked to work extra shifts as so many nurses were off sick. I am sure those who volunteer will get a lot of satisfaction, as I did. Good luck to all who take part in this very worthwhile work. Mrs J. carlIsle, via email. I’VE had no hesitation in signing up to the Mail’s campaign to be a hospital volunteer. I owe my life to a surgeon and nurses at London’s Maudsley Hospital. I was a guinea pig for brain surgery to tackle my uncontrollable epilepsy. Thanks to them, I can enjoy life to the full. I am glad to
finally have the opportunity to give something back to the NHS. SUE WILLMOTT, Uckfield, E. Sussex.
I DON’T agree that volunteers should bolster hospitals. I spent 35 years in the NHS and can confirm that top-heavy, overpaid and incompetent management is the root of all its problems. I think flooding the NHS with volunteers to compensate for bad management is the wrong approach. GRAHAM MARSH, Stockport, Cheshire. I HAVE signed up for the Hospital Helpforce. However, I am not impressed that celebrities such as Chris Evans are urging the public to offer a helping hand. Will he also be helping in a practical way? These people are worth millions and can afford the best private healthcare money can buy for their families, so will never have to experience the NHS.
EMILY HOPLEY, Alderley Edge, Cheshire.
CONGRATULATIONS on the Mail’s drive to get more volunteers to help in hospitals. Let’s also salute the League of Friends and the unsung volunteers who are working in hospices and care homes. PAULINE WARREN, Bolton.
MY wife and I are interested to learn that Joanna Lumley and Bryan Ferry are supporting the Mail’s campaign. Please let us know when and where they will be volunteering. I shall be very pleased to accompany Joanna, while my wife is happy to work with Bryan. IAN STROMDALE, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.