Volunteers' Week 2024 | A Time to Say Thank You

3 June 2024

This week Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is celebrating Volunteers’ Week, and saying thank you to the hundreds of people who freely give their time to make such a difference to patients, services and staff.

Depending on the time of year, there are between 400-500 people supporting over 35 volunteer projects and roles in St David’s Hospital, University Hospital of Llandough, University Hospital of Wales, Barry Hospital and within community settings. Volunteers give their time to befriend patients, point visitors in the right direction, take library trollies around wards, help lead activities such as arts and crafts and much more.

In the first five months of 2024 over 5,100 hours have been donated by volunteers ranging in age from 13 years to 86 years. 

Within the waiting areas of the Emergency Unit at the University Hospital of Wales, volunteers offer important support by keeping patients updated on their waiting times, providing company to patients who are on their own and locating wheelchairs. Senior Nurse Ellie Gerrard said: "Thank you from all of us in the Emergency Department for all the work you do for our patients and the support you give the staff on a daily basis. It doesn't go unnoticed by us. You are a valued part of the team".