More helping hands are being invited to join the band of volunteers who work across the health service in Forth Valley.  A special open day is being arranged on Monday 3^rd September 2018 where anyone interested in volunteering in NHS Forth Valley can come along to find out more, meet staff, ask questions and learn about the volunteering opportunities available. The events are being held in Stirling and Falkirk.

Around 200 people already work tirelessly in a number of areas; these include volunteers who assist patients in the oncology unit, children’s ward and discharge lounge. Others represent the views of patients and the general public at meetings and events.

A number of volunteers are recruited through organisations such as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP), Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), Radio Royal, and Friends of Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

 NHS Forth Valley Director of Nursing, Professor Angela Wallace, said: “Volunteers make a huge difference to the lives of our patients. Not only do they support people when they are ill or receiving treatment, but they also provide valuable feedback and suggestions to help improve patient care. In areas such as oncology they can be a great source of comfort at a difficult time, and they are also invaluable in helping people find their way around our buildings. We really appreciate their efforts and our staff really love working with them.”

The open day will take place in the morning at Stirling Health and Care Village and the afternoon event will take place at the Forth Valley Sensory Centre in Camelon, Falkirk. If people can’t make those dates but are interested in volunteering they can email fv-uhb.volunteeringinnhsforthvalley@nhs.net

NHS Forth Valley holds the Investing in Volunteers Quality Award. It was first achieved by the Health Board in 2011 and is reassessed every three years.

Please note you need to be aged 18 or older to volunteer in NHS Forth Valley