The hundreds of volunteers who support NHS Forth Valley received a big thank you recently when they were presented with specially-designed badges as a gesture of appreciation. The volunteers included representatives from voluntary organisations including the Friends of Forth Valley Royal Hospital, the Royal Voluntary Service, So Precious and RSVP, to name but a few. Also present were volunteers who work in various wards and departments, such as oncology, mental health, emergency and the children’s ward.

The badges were presented by NHS Forth Valley Chairman Alex Linkston, and Director of Nursing Professor Angela Wallace. Mr Linkston said he was astounded to learn that there are more than 400 volunteers across NHS Forth Valley who are involved in a wide range of activities, including visiting patients in hospital wards and helping patients and families in the oncology unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

He also highlighted the many benefits of volunteering and explained: “Volunteering brings a wide range of benefits to patients, carers, staff and also the volunteers themselves. Volunteers can help free up staff time and help forge stronger links with local communities. For volunteers, the experience provides purposeful activity, a sense of belonging, social interaction and is proven to be beneficial for their own health and wellbeing”.

Those attending the event also heard direct from a number of local volunteers and NHS Forth Valley staff on the difference volunteering has made to them. During the event NHS Forth Valley was presented with an Investing in Volunteers Award by Anne Hislop, Investing in Volunteers Manager. This is the third time that NHS Forth Valley has achieved this accolade.

Prof Angela Wallace said: “We are very fortunate to have achieved the prestigious Investors in Volunteers Award for an amazing third time due to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic volunteers and staff. On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to personally thank everyone involved in this important work.”