West Suffolk Hospital says thank you to its welcoming volunteers

Two decades of friendly hellos were marked when Pat Game cut the cake to mark 20 years of information desk volunteering at West Suffolk Hospital.

A tea party was held last Wednesday for about 40 volunteers who man the front desk, with senior managers giving their personal thanks.

Pat Game, who lives in Bury St Edmunds, has worked on the front desk since it opened.

She recalled: “When I hit the big 5-0 I decided I wanted to give something back, so started volunteering at the hospital.

“I absolutely love it – it can be very challenging but every week is different and that’s what makes it so interesting.

“We do get asked some bizarre questions but always seem to solve things.

“I really enjoy meeting people and volunteering gives me a great reason to get out and about.

“I’ve made lots of friends and find it really rewarding and would encourage other people who want to put their free time to good use to think about volunteering too.”

As well as welcoming patients, escorting them to clinics and answering any queries they have, the information desk volunteers also help with lots of other jobs, such as delivering e-cards and folding leaflets.

Linda Murrell, voluntary services manager, said: “We felt it was only fitting to say a special thank you to everyone on our information desk as we mark its 20th anniversary. They are the welcoming face of West Suffolk Hospital and do a tremendous job at helping patients and visitors to find their way around the site.”

To volunteer call 01284 713169.