Volunteering

Here is a picture of Jess getting stuck into her new role in the kitchen at Edenbridge Memorial Hospital.

Jess Webster, a 29-year-old swimming instructor from Crayford, has been volunteering alongside the hospital’s cook for the Kent Community Hospital Foundation Trust, preparing meals for patients and colleagues, washing up and doing tea rounds.

Jess said: “When I was furloughed from my job I decided I’d like to use my time helping people. I completed the volunteer application form and got a role at Edenbridge. When volunteered I thought I’d be asked to do something like shopping for a vulnerable person. I didn’t know I could work in a hospital kitchen and be part of a team. I do three days a week, 9am to 3pm and I really look forward to it.”

Maria Swaby, Volunteer Services Manager at KCHFT said: “Jess was one of the first people to submit her application and, with swift replies from her references and DBS check, I was able to place her quickly. Well done to Jess for everything she is doing to support our patients and colleagues at Edenbridge Memorial Hospital.”

With a niece who has just qualified as a doctor, and a hospital matron for a sister-in-law, Mark Vooght didn’t think twice about using his time in furlough to volunteer with the Trust.

53-year-old Mark, from Medway, initially applied through the national database and was advised to approach a local trust, which he did. After completing the application process Mark, who has spent 30 years working in legal services digital printing, was placed at Faversham Cottage Hospital.

Mark said: “I have been delivering urgent letters, making up patient note packs, collecting a generous donation of toiletries and running errands. I am happy to do anything I can to help and I enjoy the variety.”

“During this time I would rather be doing something and I am lucky to be in a position to be able to give something back to those who need it.”

Congratulations to the new breastfeeding volunteers of Shepway and Swale who had their joint graduation celebration on Thursday, 12 December 2019 at the Village Children’s Centre, Folkestone. They had an early surprise visit from santa who was happy to supply gifts to the children present.

The breastfeeding volunteers are a valuable addition to the breastfeeding drop in groups that the health visiting teams are delivering in the children centres across Kent.

The volunteers are valued not only by the mothers that they support but also the health visiting teams. Some of the volunteers have been very active in their communities and are striving to normalise breastfeeding.

New Breastfeeding training cohort’s for 2020

Anyone who might be considering the training or would like to talk to someone about it please contact the infant feeding team on kentchft.infantfeedingteam@nhs.net or by contacting your local children’s centre.

It’s very reasonable for our patients, clients, volunteers and service users to want to know if colleagues have had the flu jab.

This includes one of our patient representatives, Junetta Whorwell, pictured.

Junetta is a former state registered nurse (SRN) and health visitor and has had cancer.

She said: “Having the flu jab is the responsible thing to do when you are coming into contact with patients who are unwell and could pass something on.

“My oncologist told me it was important to try to protect myself. I have the flu jab myself and I ask any health worker I come into contact with if they are protected.

“I help at my GP surgery with the patient participation group and welcome patients who come in. It’s up to all of us to get protected.”