A VOLUNTEER at Kidderminster Hospital has been recognised for his outstanding work supporting cancer patients.

David Middleton, a trustee with the town’s League of Friends, was the winner of the Patients Choice category at the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Staff Recognition Awards 2023. 

Patients across the county were asked to vote for volunteers who made a real difference during their hospital visits and 77-year-old David topped the poll.

Dozens of volunteers work in health settings across the county and David said: “It is the biggest pat on the back I will ever have in my life.

“It all came out of the blue but it was very gratifying to hear that people appreciate your efforts.”

David, from Bewdley, volunteers for two shifts a week at the Millbrook Suite in Kidderminster, providing soft drinks, tea and coffee along with light snacks for those undergoing chemotherapy.

It is an important role as their treatment sessions can last up to five hours and David’s caring approach has a calming effect on those finding it difficult in unfamiliar situations.

Having been treated for cancer himself at Millbrook in 2015, he understands the feelings of those coming for treatment and offers reassurance based on his own experience as a patient. 

He said: “When I was treated at Millbrook, I could see staff had to prioritise treatment  needs and I could see it was difficult for them to provide for those who needed a snack or a drink.”

So when his treatment was complete, he contacted the League of Friends to see if he could act as a volunteer to provide refreshments - and he has now done the job for more than eight years.

Voting patients described him as conscientious, caring and dedicated and one referred to his support as “invaluable because he has been there as a patient himself.”

David added: “I have had this role for nine years and I really enjoy it. My satisfaction comes from helping people and our community.”