Merseyside cancer centre’s thank-you to long-term volunteers

Posted 9th June 2016

Volunteers who help patients at Merseyside and Cheshire’s specialist cancer centre – including a Wirral woman who has dedicated 20 years of loyal service – have been thanked at a special event recognising their contribution.

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, which provides highly-specialist cancer treatment and carries out groundbreaking research, held the event to celebrate the many volunteers who make a difference by offering patients a warm welcome and support throughout their care.

Among those being recognised was Pam Neatby from Birkenhead, who has spent the last 20 years welcoming and assisting patients and their loved ones as a greeter on the main reception desk. As well as providing a friendly, comforting welcome, she also helps people find their way by escorting them to the right clinic or treatment area and making sure they have everything they need.

Pam was presented with a long-service award by Wendy Williams, Chair of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, and said she was very touched by the recognition.

Volunteers enhance patients’ experience of care at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in many ways including providing hand and foot massages, lending a friendly ear and shoulder to lean on, and welcoming and supporting them. The RVS (Royal Voluntary Service) runs the popular café and tea bars at the Wirral and Aintree Clatterbridge Cancer Centres. Volunteer drivers with North West Ambulance Service help people get to and from their appointments.

Wendy Williams, Chair of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said: “We have a fantastic team of dedicated volunteers who make an extraordinary difference to the care we provide.

“Patients tell us over and over again how much they value our volunteers and the difference they make to their experience of being treated here: the welcoming smile, kind word, help making their way to their appointment, the cup of tea during their wait or their treatment. All these acts of kindness make a huge difference to patients and it is what they remember most.

“We are so grateful that volunteers choose to give their time and, importantly, their kindness to patients – it has a lasting impact on people’s lives and helps them through their cancer journey.”

The thank-you event was held during National Volunteers Week (1-12 June 2016) at the Wirral Postgraduate Centre on the Clatterbridge health park.