Hospital Volunteer receives Long Service Award after an outstanding 45 years volunteering with King’s Mill Hospital

Posted Wednesday, December 29, 2021 2:43 PM

Hospital Volunteer receives Long Service Award after an outstanding 45 years volunteering with King’s Mill Hospital

Committed volunteer Diane Kerry is celebrating 45 years of service with King’s Mill Hospital. She first started her journey as a volunteer at King’s Mill hospital in 1976, working nights on the Dukeries ward, which at the time was the hospital’s Mother and Baby unit.

During her time as a volunteer, Diane has also worked in the Daffodil Café and the Welcome Treatment Centre, and has been working face-to-face with patients for the past 10 years – greeting them, chatting with them and generally making sure they feel comfortable.

She says: “I love meeting people and talking to them, every day is something different and I get to meet some lovely people – both colleagues and patients. The Trust has always looked after the volunteers  well and we feel very much appreciated.”

Diane was instrumental in providing the Daffodil badges that some of the Trust volunteers still wear now – she bought these at a garden centre just before the Dukeries building closed to hand out to her fellow volunteers, and still wears hers with pride today.

Alongside her role at King’s Mill Hospital, Diane has also given up her time by volunteering at the John Eastwood Hospice, which she has been doing for 25 years. When asked what she would say to someone who is thinking of volunteering with the Trust she said: “I would not hesitate to recommend becoming a volunteer – I love it!”

When she isn’t volunteering Diane finds the time to keep on top of her gardening, which is a hobby she loves, and sees her family, which includes her four grandchildren.

Diane was presented with a bouquet of flowers, a long service badge and certificate by Chief Executive, Paul Robinson and Director of Corporate Affairs, Shirley Higginbotham to celebrate her fantastic achievement.

Paul Robinson, Chief Executive said:  “It was humbling to hear how Diane has volunteered at the hospital for 45 years and the hospice for 25 years, all while juggling work and family life. Thank you Diane for all that you do, you are remarkable and should be very proud of your achievements.”

Corporate Affairs Director, Shirley Higginbotham added: “We are so proud of all of our volunteers and it was an absolute pleasure to present Diane with her award. Forty-five years is an amazing achievement, thank you Diane for all of your hard work and dedication.”

Three volunteers from Newark hospital have also been awarded for their long service with the Trust. Ursula Clifton (25 years), Jean Scotney (20 years) and Pam Weir (20 years) were presented with awards by Trust Chair, Claire Ward. Between them, they have volunteered for an incredible 65 years of support to the Trust and their dedication has made such a tremendous difference to patient experience at Newark hospital.

A total of 45 volunteers who have dedicated long service to the Trust (a total of 590 years between them) have been presented with their awards by members of the Senior Leadership Team.

Tracey Brassington, Community Involvement Manager, said: “Our volunteers are so important, and I am pleased that we get the chance to honour them in this way and let them know exactly how much we appreciate them for all that they do for the Trust.”

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