New roles for dedicated RVS volunteers

Pembs RVS Thank You Tea

Bernadine Rees and RVS - Hafan Derwen

Hywel Dda University Health Board is committed to continuing the close relationship with the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) by finding new roles for its volunteers, so that they can continue supporting patients at hospitals across mid and west Wales as they have done for many years.
The Chair of the Health Board, Bernadine Rees, has been meeting with volunteers to discuss opportunities that are being created to enhance the service provided to patients at Bronglais, Withybush, Glangwili and Prince Philip hospitals.
The health board has committed to retaining the services of the RVS following the introduction of new cafe and retail services on all four acute sites, which the RVS had previously provided.
At a meeting with RVS volunteers in Withybush Hospital last week, Bernadine said: “It’s with some sadness that we are here for afternoon tea. You have shown such support for patients and families, and we have to recognise that it is the end of a particular era. It’s great to be here to thank you, and to recognise the fantastic work that you have done to date.
“We very much value the contribution you have made, and will continue to make in the future.
“There is a need to continue to support our patients, but in different ways, and provide a warm welcome to patients and staff which we can do through the many talents you have in the RVS.
“We have some new opportunities being created across Hywel Dda, and through your work we can continue enhancing the service we provide to patients. You will still be the face of the RVS in Pembrokeshire, and the bonus for Hywel Dda is that on some sites where there has not been such presence, the profile of the RVS will be raised.
“Thank you on behalf of Hywel Dda University Health Board (as well as the former organisations, including Pembrokeshire & Derwen NHS Trust and Pembrokeshire Local Health Board), and from our staff and the local population in Pembrokeshire, for the years gone by and for your contribution in the future.”
Peter Llewellyn, Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships, added: “Initially, we will be concentrating on the continuation of the specific RVS volunteer services traditionally provided at Withybush and Glangwili Hospitals for reception areas at both sites.
“The next stage will involve providing a sustainable RVS trolley and associated ward-based service, which will also include Prince Philip and Bronglais Hospitals.
“We are working closely with the RVS to ensure that we continue to identify and jointly recruit sufficient volunteers for such services to be available for patients across all our main Hospital sites. We have also planned some training days allowing these volunteers to extend their current roles in the Hospitals going forward.”