STAFF from Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Worcestershire Royal Hospital are looking for volunteers to offer their support.

Hospital volunteer coordinators are keen to hear from anyone who can spare a little time at short notice to help run the essential care package delivery service for patients.

Volunteers are being recruited to help support family and friends of patients who want to deliver essential care packages to their loved ones in hospital. This service is designed to support patients and families while visiting restrictions are in place.

The service will be in operation from 10am to 3pm on weekdays, with volunteers asked to collect small essential items from the public at the main entrances to the hospitals and deliver these to the outside of patient wards.

Anyone interested in volunteering for this role will need to be able to be contacted at short notice by telephone, text or email to come and support. Volunteers can choose to work regular shifts, for a week only, during their furlough period, one day per week or “as and when” required.

Anna Sterckx, Head of Patient, Carer and Public Engagement at the hospitals, said: “Our hospital staff are doing a magnificent job in working to put patients first but we would welcome all support from our local community, including from people who can offer a few hours a day or a week”.

If you or anyone you know is interested in supporting your local hospitals as a volunteer, people can contact 01905 733 159 or email: wah-tr.volunteers@nhs.net

Volunteers will be given a full introduction and ongoing guidance from the volunteer team, as well as all the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to carry out their role.

All volunteers should be fit and healthy, over 18 (or over 16 with the consent of your parents or guardian), have good verbal communication skills and will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and successful Occupational Health clearance.

People can find out more information and the full eligibility criteria at: www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/CovidVolunteer