Noble’s Hospital is celebrating Volunteers’ Week from the 23rd to the 27th May 2011. Working in partnership with other health related organisations who recruit volunteers, Noble’s Hospital Volunteer Service have organised an exhibition of volunteering information for members of the public. The Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK, opened the exhibition in the main foyer at Noble’s Hospital on Monday 23rd May at 10.30. Noble’s Hospital Volunteer Service has continued to support volunteers’ week since 2004. Alison Lester, Volunteer Service Manager commented: “Volunteers’ week is our chance to reward, recruit and recognise the valuable role of the volunteer and to say thank you for the time they give in supporting patients, visitors and staff, not only at Noble’s Hospital but also in our other off site areas such as the Central Community Health Centre at Westmoreland Road. During the week we shall have various musical performances, a thanks giving service on Wednesday 25th May in the Hospital Chapel and the Volunteer of the Year award on Friday 27th May.” The Volunteers’ Week was launched by Minister for Health, David Anderson, MHK who said: “it is a great feeling knowing that there are special individuals who go out of their way to help others. I personally think that this scheme, which was started several years ago, is going from strength to strength and without the hard work, dedication and sheer selflessness of these volunteers the Department of Health would not be able to provide the high standard of service it does today.” Patients, visitors and staff can also take part in a Community Art Project and place a ‘wish’ on a wishing tree; your wish can be anything which is important to you. Once all the trees have been completed, they will be exhibited as part of the Noble’s Hospital healing arts programme. The Minister added: “I would personally like to thank everyone who has taken part in volunteering for the Department and that your assistance has helped shape the quality of our services and it does not go unrecognised.” Members of the Health Services also took part in ‘Back to the Floor’ and became a ‘volunteer’ themselves for an hour or so during the week. David Killip, Chief Executive, who was one of these ‘Back to the Floor’ volunteers went on to say: “it is fantastic what these volunteers do each and every day, the commitment they have to providing care and assistance to the patients and the public is overwhelming. The Department of Health really appreciates the help we receive and this week is really about the volunteers, thank you.” If you would like to become a volunteer or require further information on events being held during the week, please contact Alison Lester, Volunteer Service Manager, 650720, alison.lester@gov.im - ENDS -