Volunteer buggy drivers who 'go the extra mile' for patients and visitors recognised with award
A team of volunteer buggy drivers who assist people around Queen's Hospital Burton have been celebrated for the role they play in supporting our patients to access care and visitors to be able to see their loved ones by receiving an award from University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) Chief Executive Stephen Posey.
The buggy drivers, part of a group of more than 400 volunteers who contribute their time across the Trust, have been recognised for their tireless work in assisting patients to move around the hospital site, ensuring those who are unable or less able to move freely around the site have the best experience possible when attending QHB.
The drivers have had a particular impact over recent months, following relocations on site to accommodate the Emergency Department extension works - including assisting patients to access the new Blood Test space in a more convenient manner.
On top of their role in physically assisting patients and visitors around the hospital, their contributions to the experience of our community are seen through the directions, conversation and general support they offer that can be so important to people while they are inside our hospital.
Kate Lovelock, Voluntary Services Coordinator, put the team forward for a CEO Award through UHDB's Making a Difference Award initiative - and she was delighted that the impact they make to the hospital community, which goes well beyond getting people from A to B at QHB, has been recognised.
Kate said: "Our volunteer buggy service is the icing on the cake of our provision for patients and visitors at QHB as they make their way around our hospital. The drivers are always there for their volunteer shift, come rain or shine, hot or extremely cold conditions, to assist people around the exterior of our site and ensure the best experience for patients and visitors.
"They often go the extra mile with patients, telling them to contact them directly on the buggy phone when their appointment has finished, earning them lots of praise and gratitude from our community."
One personification of this team's outstanding contribution to the UHDB community is Chris Cliff, who decided to come into the hospital, of his own volition, on Christmas Day to take the buggy off charge, which helps prevent degrading of the batteries. He is also involved in the upkeep and care of the buggy, and training new buggy drivers in showing them the correct safety and maintenance checks.
Roy Leinwebber is another of the buggy drivers making such a difference. On this recognition, he said: "It's really nice to receive the award and it's very much appreciated by all of us. More than anything, though, we just love doing this job and we get so much from it."
Stephen Posey, Chief Executive, met members of the volunteer buggy service by the main entrance of QHB, where they regularly provide such a welcoming and helpful presence to patients and visitors, to surprise them with the CEO Making a Difference Award certificate.
He said: "It is a privilege to recognise the tireless efforts that our volunteer buggy drivers show in assisting patients and visitors move around our hospital site, playing a vital role in ensuring that those who are less able to move freely around the site have the best experience possible when attending the hospital.
"Our entire volunteer workforce is a credit to UHDB through the dedication they show and the positive impact they have on our patients, visitors and colleagues - and this team is a shining example of that, not only for their role in physically helping people around Queen's Hospital Burton - on the buggy or through offering directions - but also for the positivity, conversation and support that can be so important to people while they are inside our hospital."