WORCESTERSHIRE Royal is one of two hospitals in the county seeking volunteers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Worcester-based hospital and Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, want people to come forward who can “spare a little time at short notice” for the role of hospital volunteer co-ordinators.

The idea is to link between friends and relatives bringing in things patients need while visiting restrictions are in place, fetching and carrying essentials for inpatients on the wards. 

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.”

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 them outside the wards.

Anyone interested in volunteering for this role will need to be able to be contacted at short notice by telephone, text or email.

Volunteers can choose to work regular shifts, for a week only, during any furlough period, one day per week or as and when required and will be given a full introduction and ongoing guidance as well as all the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

To put yourself forward, you should be fit and healthy, over 18 (over 16 with the consent of your parents or guardian), have good verbal communication skills and be prepared to undergo an enhanced DBS check and successful occupational health clearance.

To register interest, call 01905 733159 or email: wah-tr.volunteers@nhs.net