Lagan Valley Hospital’s Ex-Patients Guild is celebrating an incredible milestone after marking sixty years of dedicated Volunteering in support of patients, visitors and staff.
Since the Guild first opened its hospital shop in 1966 in Lagan Valley Hospital, generations of Volunteers have given their time to provide a warm welcome to everyone coming through the doors of the hospital. What began as Volunteers taking trolleys of goods around the wards has evolved into a thriving hospital shop that has become a valued part of daily life at Lagan Valley Hospital.
The Volunteers’ commitment has also had a lasting impact on patient care. Since 1973, the Ex-Patients Guild has raised more than £322,000, funding equipment requested by hospital staff that enhances care and improves the experience of patients across the hospital.
During a recent visit to Lagan Valley Hospital, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, MLA met members of the Ex-Patients Guild to thank them for their outstanding contribution over the past six decades.
Among those celebrating the anniversary is Brenda Waring, who has volunteered at the hospital shop for 28 years. After losing her husband, Brenda found Volunteering gave her renewed purpose and friendship at a difficult time in her life.
Brenda said, “Volunteering became a real lifeline for me. It gave me somewhere to go, wonderful people to meet and a sense of purpose again. Over the years we have become great friends and we have built lovely relationships with the hospital staff too. It is a friendly place and it is rewarding to know that everything we raise goes straight back into improving care for patients.”
Brenda reflected on how the Guild has evolved over the years, “The Guild has changed a lot since it began. It started with Volunteers taking trolleys around the wards before the hospital gave us our own shop. We have adapted as the hospital has changed and introducing things like card payments has helped us raise even more money. It is wonderful knowing that every purchase helps fund equipment that benefits patients.”
Fellow Volunteer, Roberta England, who joined the Guild after a friend encouraged her to get involved, has also seen first-hand the difference Volunteers make every day.
Roberta added, “I had actually been a patient here myself before I realised the shop existed. Volunteering has been such a rewarding experience. We sell refreshments and everyday essentials, but we also spend a lot of time helping people find their way around the hospital. Often people are anxious or worried when they arrive and sometimes simply taking a few moments to chat or point them in the right direction can make a real difference.”
Reflecting on the Guild’s achievements, Roberta added, “Knowing that more than £322,000 has been raised for hospital equipment makes everyone involved incredibly proud. Every penny raised through the shop is reinvested into patient care. We would love to welcome new Volunteers so that this wonderful work can continue for many more years.”
Thanking the Volunteers for their many years of dedication and for the incredible amount raised, South Eastern Trust Chairman, Jonathan Patton stated, “What these Volunteers have achieved over the past sixty years is truly phenomenal. Raising more than £322,000 for patient equipment is an extraordinary achievement and every penny has gone directly towards improving care for patients at Lagan Valley Hospital.
“Their generosity, commitment and kindness have benefited countless people over the years and the Trust is incredibly grateful for everything they continue to do.”
South Eastern Trust, Volunteering Manager, Sonya Duffy commented, “Reaching sixty years is a remarkable milestone and is a testament to the dedication, compassion and generosity of every Volunteer who has been part of the Ex-Patients Guild over the decades. Their commitment has not only raised significant funds for patient care, but has also created a welcoming and reassuring environment for patients, visitors and staff.
“We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved and hope this anniversary inspires others to join the Guild and help continue this wonderful legacy of Volunteering.”
If you are interested in joining the Ex-Patients Guild, contact the Volunteering Team at volunteer@setrust.hscni.net or call (028) 9056 4817 to find out more.