We find out more about Wexham Park Hospital's volunteers

The Women's Royal Voluntary Service has played a valuable part in the day to day running of Wexham Park Hospital in Slough since it opened in 1965. Reporter Philip Dewey visited the hospital this week to meet the volunteers and find out more about their roles. 

Whether it be working in the shop, in the cafeteria, or around the wards, the women who have been volunteering at Wexham Park over five decades have provided a service which the hospital would find it impossible to do without.

Among the volunteers at Wexham Park, Christine Tebbit, 73, from Langley, has been volunteering for 12 years and works in the shop.

She said: "When I retired I had some spare time I thought it would help me keep my brain working and I could do something for the community."

She added: "I think the work the WRVS provides is absolutely vital and the hospital would find it hard to run without us. I would encourage anyone thinking of volunteering because it’s as good for us as it is for the people we volunteer for."

Lena Woodmaney, 79, from Cippenham, has been working at the hospital for eight years in the shop, cafeteria, and around the maternity wards.

She said: "There are so many lovely people here from the staff to the patients. I couldn't possibly stay at home because I love coming to work.

"All we are doing is to try and make it comfortable for people and helping to put a smile on their face."

Ann Crawford, 72, from Iver, became aware of the WRVS's work at Wexham Park because her daughter used to work there as a mid-wife. She said: "Being a small place, we get to know everybody and we get on really well.

"I find it very rewarding because it gets you amongst other people which is what want as you get older."

Wexham Park Hospital is in desperate need of volunteers and the WRVS are looking to recruit more people to help out in the shop and cafeteria.

Martin Przwyozny, deputy manager of WRVS at the hospital said: "We have 50 volunteers who currently work at the hospital. It's a demanding job because we are generally busy and we desperately need more volunteers.

"We have people who are interested in studying medicine come to volunteer because we are constantly amongst doctors and nurses. People also volunteer who want to get some experience in retail."

Richard Clarke, volunteering support manager, WRVS, said: "I think the problem is awareness. People are living busier lives and working longer hours so are unable to volunteer.

"We would like to encourage people from the unemployment sector and get them back in the workplace and young people who want to get some experience."

For more information phone the office on 01753 634898 or 07736 825367.