Ensuring patients who are at the end of their life receive the best possible care is something we are passionate about at Bedfordshire Hospitals.
We have a group of Blossom volunteers who will make a huge difference to patients, and their families, by providing compassionate support and company during a difficult time.
This week, the Blossom volunteers started on the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) site, with thanks to Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, and will soon be back up and running on the Bedford site, where the programme successfully ran prior to COVID-19.
The volunteers are identifiable in their personalised t-shirts and pink lanyards, and will be visiting patients across the hospitals sites.
Jan Chalkley, Deputy Head of Nursing for Cancer and Palliative Care said: “We are thrilled to be rolling this programme out across the Trust. We know the difference these volunteers will make to patients, their family and our staff, will be incredible. Each visit will be unique and silent company is often all that is needed. However, knowing the patient is not alone is a comfort for loved ones and our staff.”
On the Bedford site, we are seeking recruits to join the current volunteers.
Debbie Allman, Voluntary Services Manager at Bedford Hospital said: “We’re looking for Blossom volunteers to support a morning or afternoon session, Monday to Friday.
“All our volunteers play a vital role at our hospitals, including our Blossom volunteers, who provide patients with a hand to hold or company in their final hours, as well as a listening ear for their relatives.
“Training and support will be provided in the role, but if you are an empathetic and kind-hearted individual who would like to volunteer, we’d be delighted to hear from you.”
If you would like to find out more, please contact Debbie by emailing Deborah.Allman@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
If you are interested in supporting on the L&D site, please contact Annie Tucker, Blossom Project Co-ordinator, Leanne.Tucker2@ldh.nhs.uk
Ursla, Blossom Volunteer on her first day
Sylvia, Blossom Volunteer on her first day