30 years as a listening ear and a helping hand for families at children’s hospital
❝ You have dedicated yourself to providing a listening ear and helping hand to parents at one of the most challenging points in their lives.
PM Theresa May
FOR 30 years caring Gillian Wilding has volunteered her time helping families during their darkest hours at Bristol Children’s hospital.
From delivering toiletry packs, to running errands for parents who do not want to leave their children’s bedsides, Gillian has been the supportive shoulder for families when they have needed help the most.
Her work has been so inspiring that hospitals across the world - including Malta and Africa - have now introduced similar scheme’s to Gillian’s ‘Friends for Parents’.
The dedicated service aims to provide everything parents might need while their sick child is in hospital.
Gillian said: “Supporting families at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children by volunteering for 31 years has been such a rich experience. From the privilege of listening and talking to so many families from across the South West and Wales, entering their lives for a short while, to the sustaining support I have had from the other members of the ‘Friends for Parents’ team and encouragement from staff, it has been such a positive and memorable time.”
For her extraordinary work, she has now been awarded a Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a difference in their community.
Carolyn Mills, chief nurse at Bristol Children’s Hospital, said: “We are so thrilled that Gill’s efforts have been recognised at this national level, which is particularly poignant in the year the NHS turns 70.
“For the past three decades, families of patients at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children have been able to rely on Friends for Parents volunteers, thanks to Gill working with the Mother’s Union and our chaplaincy service to set the group up in 1987.
“The team make things easier for families during some of their most difficult times, listening and talking with them on the wards, running errands for those who do not wish to leave their child’s bedside, and making sure the parents’ rooms on each floor of the hospital are fully stock with tea and coffee supplies.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who volunteers their time at our Trust, and to congratulate Gill on this outstanding achievement.”
In a personal letter to Gillian, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “You have dedicated yourself to providing a listening ear and helping hand to parents at one of the most challenging points in their lives.
“You and the group of volunteers you lead give parents vital support as they cope with the emotional and logistical challenges of having a child in hospital.
“Over three decades you have comforted countless families and, as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of our NHS, I want to pay tribute to the enormous contribution you have made.”
The Bristol Post is on the hunt for NHS workers who have gone above and beyond to be recognised in our Health and Care Awards.
If you would like to nominate someone then go to the website www. bhealthandcareawards.co.uk .
ABRISTOL heart surgeon and his team have been nominated for a special health award - by a man who credits them for saving his father’s life.
Tim Penney’s dad Bruce collapsed outside the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Berkshire seven years ago.
Bruce, who also lives in Yeovil, was given emergency treatment by two off duty doctors who revived him before calling for an ambulance.
Bruce, who was 68 at the time of the collapse, was then taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital where his condition was stabilised.
Once well enough, former paintsprayer Bruce was transferred to the Bristol Heart Institute where he was cared for by Professor Gianni Angelini and the cardiac team.
While at the heart institute Bruce was fitted with a stent by Professor Angelini and his team - a move he says undoubtedly saved his dad’s life.
Seven years on and Bruce, now 75, is back in Yeovil and enjoying life to the full, gardening, volunteering as a ranger and attending clubs.
Now Mr Penney has nominated Professor Angelini, who is head of the cardiac department at Bristol Heart Institute, and his team in the Healthcare Team of the Year category Bristol and Bath Healthcare Awards.
The awards - this year sponsored by Emerson Green Treatment Centre - are run in association with the Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle to celebrate and recognise the everyday people in hospitals, GP surgeries and charitable groups who go
❝
What Professor Angelini and his team did saved my dad’s life. He is now back at home and living his life as normal because of their amazing care. The nomination is not just for my dad, but also on behalf of all the other people they have helped.
Tim Penney
that extra mile to keep us healthy and happy.
Mr Penney, 47, said: “What Professor Angelini and his team did saved my dad’s life.
“He is now back at home and living his life as normal because of their amazing care.
“My dad says that the nurses on the ward were also fantastic and when he was worried one night, one of the nurses stayed with him to comfort him.
“Dad has been pretty well ever since and is enjoying life and I wanted to nominate Professor Angelini and his team for an award in recgonition of the wonderful work they do.
“The nomination is not just for my dad, but also on behalf of all the other people they have helped.”
Mr Penney has also written to the Royal College of Surgeons to highlight the work of Professor Angelini and his team.
He added: “It would mean so much to us as a family to honour this great man and team with such an award. The work they have done into cardiac surgery has been inspiring and inspirational.”
Over the last ten years Professor Angelini has been at the forefront of the cardiac surgery community worldwide with his work leading to significant changes in adult and paediatric cardiac surgery practice.
He is regarded as a world leader in many major areas of research.
The winners of of the awards, now in their third year, will be announced at a glittering dinner event on October 2 at the Bristol Harbour Hotel.
In this year’s awards there are 10 categories from Health Professional of the Year to GP Practice of the Year.