40 seems to be the magic milestone number in 2024. Not only are we celebrating Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH)’s 40th birthday, this year also marks 40 years of celebrating Volunteers’ Week!
Between 3-9 June 2024, our Voluntary Services team (part of Milton Keynes Hospital Charity) are organising loads of great activities in honour of our amazing hospital and charity volunteers, celebrating all they do.
We’re grateful for our volunteers all year round but during this week, we’re shining an extra special spotlight on them.
Ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer at MKUH?
What skills might you pick up? Why’s volunteering so rewarding? Find out from some of our incredible volunteers below.
Whether they’ve been volunteering at the hospital for just a few months, or have been committed to their duties for over 20 years (!), these individuals are making a huge difference for patients, families, carers and #TeamMKUH staff – and we can’t thank them enough.
Tricia Humphries
What’s your role? Main Entrance Receptionist
How long have you been volunteering at MKUH? Since 2002 – 22 years, how time flies when you are enjoying yourself!
What one piece of advice would you give to others thinking about volunteering at the hospital? Volunteering helps you when you retire to keep your brain active as you have a multitude of different situations to deal with. We now also have to use the computer for certain tasks, so you are constantly learning. There is also Mandatory Training which keeps you on your toes.
Do you have a special volunteering memory you’d like to share? I was helping someone get to the Labour Ward in the lift when the baby suddenly decided to arrive!
Tichafa Shara
What’s your role? Pastoral Volunteer (Chaplaincy)
How long have you been volunteering at MKUH? Since 26 March 2024
What do you love most about volunteering? It provides me with a sense of satisfaction and joy that comes with serving humanity and making a positive change in their lives. My role allows me to meet different people, patients with diverse health needs, supporting them to appreciate each day as it comes. I get to interact with healthcare staff/caregivers who also need emotional and spiritual support in the execution of their professional roles.
What one piece of advice would you give to others thinking about volunteering at the hospital? To those who are thinking about joining, don’t think twice.
Rose Coppard
What’s your role? Clerical Support (Cancer Centre)
How long have you been volunteering at MKUH? 16 years.
What do you love most about volunteering? The role is rewarding. I like meeting new people and enjoy the social interaction with both staff and patients.
What one piece of advice would you give to others thinking about volunteering at the hospital? Give thought to which area you want to work in and why.
In what ways do you feel your volunteer efforts have made a positive difference in your community and the lives of others? Helping with tasks that leaves the paid staff time to do other work, building relationships with staff and patients, being a liaison and advice point, and being a positive role model for the hospital.
John Garrard
What’s your role? Support Volunteer (Cancer Centre)
How long have you been volunteering at MKUH? 1 year and 8 months
What do you love most about volunteering? Feeling great about what really helping people does.
Do you have a special volunteering memory you’d like to share? A lady going through her cancer journey, not knowing how the future would pan out, a young family and husband she loves, became a friend, a true friend. We spoke for hours about her fears and the anxiety she felt, and having had a similar journey I could empathise and listen. She finished her treatment and a few weeks later came to the centre with her husband to thank me personally. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Humarah Riaz
What’s your role? Children’s Story Time Volunteer
How long have you been volunteering at MKUH? Since January 2024
What do you love most about volunteering? What I love the most about volunteering is being able to create moments of magic and wonder for young patients.
What one piece of advice would you give to others thinking about volunteering at the hospital? Remember that even the smallest gesture of kindness can have a significant impact on patients, and this provides a sense of comfort to their families during challenging times. Take the time to listen, offer support and be open to new experiences, as your presence and dedication can truly make a difference in the lives of others.
Geneveive Greene
What’s your role? Dining Companion Volunteer
How long have you been volunteering at MKUH? Over 20 years
Do you have a special volunteering experience you’d like to share? Welcoming patients, families, and friends, communicating and helping patients to complete menu cards, ensuring appropriate choices are made.
What new skills have you learned since being a volunteer? Equality, Diversity & Human Rights, Health Safety & Welfare, Infection Prevention & Control.
Esther Gibbs
What’s your role? Endoscopy Volunteer
How long have you been volunteering at MKUH? 6 years
What does your role involve? Helping out in Endoscopy; cleaning beds, distributing tea and biscuits to patients, putting linen away, talking to patients, and anything else that is required.
What do you love about volunteering? Everything!
Do you have a special volunteering memory you’d like to share? Receiving the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Award in 2023!
If you could summarise the essence of volunteering in 3 words, what would they be? Rewarding, worthwhile, satisfying.
Charlotte King
What’s your role? Breast Feeding Peer Supporter & Ward Support
How long have you been volunteering at MKUH? Since 2018
What do you love most about volunteering? Seeing the confidence that new mums can gain from breast feeding their babies and reassuring them that almost all their concerns are completely normal. I am passionate about the values of breastfeeding.
What one piece of advice would you give to others thinking about volunteering at the hospital? You get a lot of support; everyone is friendly and are grateful for the help that you give. You will really enjoy it.
How do you balance your volunteer commitments with your other responsibilities? I work 4 full days in our family business, I have a 14-year-old at home and look after my 3-year-old granddaughter on a Friday. I volunteer every Tuesday between 5.30 and 8.30pm. I make this work for me, my family, and Ward 9.
