The City of Glasgow threw a special party this week to thank volunteers throughout NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
The Civic Reception, held at Glasgow City Chambers as part of Volunteers’ Week, paid tribute to the hundreds of people, of all ages and from all walks of life, who give up their time to help our patients, visitors and staff in NHSGGC’s acute hospitals, for valued third sector partner organisations, and for Health and Social Care Partnerships.
Volunteers’ Week is the annual national campaign to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers, and every year NHSGGC arranges a series of events to recognise, celebrate and thank our volunteers.
Fiona Smith, Strategic Lead for Volunteering at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Our fantastic volunteers turn out every week, come rain or shine, to help our patients, visitors and staff – whether it’s to welcome people as they arrive at our hospitals, provide company and a kind word for our patients during their treatment, support active wards and rehabilitation sessions, or simply to make a cup of tea for a tired member of staff.
“Every year we use Volunteers’ Week as a way to officially thank our volunteers, but for the City of Glasgow to hold a Civid Reception in their honour is particularly special – though it’s no less than they deserve.”
At the reception, which was hosted by the Deputy Lord Provost of Glasgow, Bailie Christy Mearns, and attended by the Deputy Chief Executive of NHSGGC, William Edwards, volunteers were thanked for their work and contribution, before getting a chance to meet other volunteers, share stories and enjoy the celebration.
In addition, a number of guests, who have been volunteering for 10 years and more, received special recognition.
During the event, the health board also reaffirmed its commitment to volunteering by becoming a Volunteer Charter Champion.
This aligns with the board’s refreshed Volunteering Policy and includes commitments to welcoming volunteers from all backgrounds and removing income as a barrier; providing strong support, training, and development for volunteers; creating meaningful roles that complement, not replace, the work of our paid staff.
Earlier this week Professor Angela Wallace, Executive Nurse Director at NHSGGC and Executive Lead for Volunteering, said: “Every week our volunteers come along to our hospitals and healthcare sites and support our patients, visitors and staff.
“Without any expectation of recognition or thanks they give up their time, some to fill their days at the end of their working lives, others to get experience at the beginning of theirs – but all out of a simple desire to help others.
“On behalf of everyone at NHSGGC, and of the people whose lives have been touched by our volunteers, I would like to say thank you for everything you do.
“This Civic Reception is the perfect way to mark Volunteers’ Week, and to express our appreciation to you all.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is always keen to attract more volunteers to help in a range of services, so if you think you have something to offer our patients, visitors and staff, we’d love to hear from you.
Many sites across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are actively seeking to recruit volunteers, so to find out more about volunteering, and to see our current opportunities, go to our website: Volunteering – NHSGGC
