Sheffield hospital volunteers receive top award from the Queen for their incredible contribution to city's health service

Volunteers receive award that is the equivalent of an MBE

The award, which is the equivalent of an MBE, was designed to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.

A spokesperson for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said Sheffield Hospitals Volunteers have received the award ‘in recognition of the incredible support they provide to patients and staff but also for going above and beyond to support the COVID-19 vaccination programme’.

Kirsten Major, chief executive at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that our volunteers have been recognised by this prestigious award, which is made even more special that they have received it in the year of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

"As well as all the brilliant support they have provided to our hospitals across the years, the way they have stepped up to a new challenge over the last two years has been remarkable.

"They have shown incredible commitment in helping us, despite challenges due to Covid-19, and have most recently played a vital part in supporting our vaccination programme. Their flexibility, willingness to adapt and unstinting dedication has been extraordinary and we are very lucky to have them as part of our team.”

Representatives of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Volunteers are set to receive the award crystal and certificate from Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire later this summer.

‘I never fail to be amazed by the dedication and commitment they show’

Emma Scott, the trust’s voluntary services manager, said: “I am delighted that our wonderful volunteers have been recognised by receiving this prestigious award. Their support is highly valued by the organisation and I never fail to be amazed by the dedication and commitment they show to improving the experience of our patients in hospital.”

Adrian Stone, chairman of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, added: “It is our privilege to support the service and the vital work it does for the hospitals. The award belongs to each and every one of the amazing and dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy to support our local NHS”.

Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield South East, said: “This is an incredible achievement. I think I can speak for every patient and their families and say a great big thank you for all the time effort and care volunteers have provided. We wouldn’t have got through Covid and the vital vaccination programme without their support.”

The volunteers service, which is part funded by supporters of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, currently has 500-plus volunteers aged between 16 and 85.

They undertake a variety of roles, including helping with music and art ward activities, welcomers at entrances to help people find their way to wards and departments, pharmacy runners collecting medicines so patients can be discharged quickly, Vaccination Stewards, Active Response volunteers and Outpatients volunteers.

Many volunteers often gain employment within the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust or use their experience to progress in their chosen careers within the NHS.

Some of the award-winning volunteers have described why they became volunteers for the trust.