Hospital volunteers play their part in Covid vaccine rollout
A group of over 20 dedicated volunteers are doing their bit to help the Covid vaccine sessions run smoothly at Southend Hospital.
The volunteers were keen to help ease the pressure on hard working hospital staff. They are helping marshal the car park, register people when they arrive and also reassure those receiving injections before and after their vaccinations.
One of those who jumped at the chance to help was Andrew Gush, from Westcliff, who has played an active part as part of the volunteers’ team since February last year. He said: “Everyone has just really appreciated our help, whether that’s people getting the vaccine or hospital staff in the vaccine hub, as we are helping keep things moving so that people are seen as soon as possible.”
Fellow volunteer, Mick Gray from Leigh, has been volunteering at the hospital since last March. He added: “It’s just been fantastic to play a small but important part in the vaccine roll out and give something back and be a part of something that will make a real positive difference to the lives of everyone.”
Jane O’Connell, voluntary services lead for Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of how our volunteers have continued to help where they can throughout the pandemic. All have had risk assessments and we are ensuring they have masks and are socially distanced. Their help through supporting roles has been really appreciated by staff and patients.”