Maureen Ryan was one of over 100 volunteers who attended a special celebratory lunch, to say thank you for the work they do at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie.
Maureen, who’s 89, first started giving her time 50 years ago, when she worked for the British Red Cross. “It was the old Addenbrooke’s then, on Trumpington Street. It was familiar work to me because I’d already done health care work with the Voluntary Aid Detatchment which provided field services during the war.”
Since Maureen started at Addenbrooke’s in 1964, the hospital has gained five operating theatres, a specialist women and children’s unit, the Rosie Birth Centre, has seen two visits by the Queen and has gained over 8,000 staff.
“It’s utterly different now. Back then, when the Red Cross helped on the wards, our job was to fold and pack swabs. We’d have all the equipment bubbling away in a drum to sterilise it. These days everything is vacuum packed and disposable!”
Maureen, helped set up the Patient’s Library at Addenbrooke’s and is a passionate ambassador for the voluntary service. “The best thing is talking to people -- giving them some time and comfort when they're frightened and often alone. I’ve seen many, many changes over the years, but that’s one thing that has not changed and I doubt it ever will. People will always want people and I’m proud to be one of the volunteers who can provide that support.”
Ian McMillan is another volunteer who finds time to give his help for free, by fitting it in around his day job. Working in the hospital’s Patient Services 9-5, he gives two of his lunchtimes per week to helping out with patient mealtimes. “I love it. It’s a great way for me to feel I’m connecting with patients. It means my job isn’t just another office job, because it allows me to feel I’m making a real difference within the hospital.”
The awards lunch for volunteers was hosted by Head of Voluntary Services, Giles Wright. He said “We want you to sit, relax and chat, because this is our chance to thank you for the hard work you do all year.”
Chief Executive Dr Keith McNeil said “We simply couldn’t run a large and busy organisation like Addenbrooke’s without you.”
Non Executive Director, Mike Moore said “Great institutions and events are made great by the volunteers who help run them. That’s what you do day in, day out. You do the job that doctors can’t do – by giving your personal experience to help give patients comfort.”
Ten other volunteers were given awards for services ranging from 5 to 35 years. They include:
| Amanda | Lowe | 5 years |
| Evelyn | Moss | 5 years |
| Gordon | Dunn | 5 years |
| Maureen | Dwyer | 10 years |
| Gerry | Metcalfe | 10 years |
| Rowley | Bower | 15 years |
| John | Galley | 15 years |
| Keith | Tolliday | 30 years |
| Tina | Dawson | 35 years |
| Maureen | Ryan | 50 years |
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For more details please contact louise.gosling@addenbrookes.nhs.uk tel: 01223 586 730
Communications Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ
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