VOLUNTEERS have been praised for keeping lonely patients company at St Cross Hospital.
Around 50 people, including Mayor Bill Lewis, gave up their time to make a total of around 300 visits to patients during the Christmas period, as part of the Friends of St Cross and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Trust Festive Befriending Initiative.
Coun Lewis said: “The Mayoress and I were both delighted to support the initiative and visit patients who were in hospital over the Christmas holidays.
“From funding equipment to running vital support services, the Friends of St Cross charity’s volunteers and supporters make a tremendous contribution to St Cross.”
Volunteer Liz said: “I had the time of my life, it was my best Christmas ever! I met some lovely people and heard some wonderful stories.
Fellow visitor Eleanor added: “I can’t really do justice to how much I enjoyed listening to patients talk about their lives and past experiences. In short, an absolute pleasure.”
The charity’s chair Willy Goldschmidt said: “This feedback echoes the spirit of the volunteering that flows through the Friends team. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life who reinforce the connection between the community, the hospital and the charity.
“This was the third time we reached out to the community to help cheer up patients who were unfortunately in hospital over the festive season, and the response was excellent.”
Hospital site manager Janine Beddow said: “Thank you to the Friends for organising this initiative and for all the support the volunteers deliver throughout the year.”
Visit www.fsx.org.uk/index.php/volunteering-with-us for more information about volunteering with the Friends.
