AS part of International Experience of Care Week, Wirral University Teaching Hospital is shining a light on the fantastic work volunteers do for patients.

Volunteer group PALS act as a liaison between patients and hospital staff to address any concerns that people may have.

The twelve volunteers visit the wards of Arrowe Park Hospital on Mondays and Wednesdays, chatting to patients and making sure that they are happy with the care they have been receiving. 

Head of patient experience Laura Austin told the Globe: “We are so lucky to have these volunteers, who offer important reassurance to our patients.

"Most of them have been with the Trust for many years and throughout that time, have been a wonderful support to patients as well as ward colleagues.

"They are passionate about their role and get so much satisfaction from knowing they have made a difference.

“They provide a neutral, friendly and comforting presence for people and share our goals of delivering the best possible experience of care.

"As well as helping to address any problems that patients may be having, they are also very knowledgeable about external support offered by organisations such as Age UK or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau so can signpost people to the right place.

“I think I speak on behalf of everyone in the Trust when I say that I am so grateful for everything that our volunteers do.

"Our PALS volunteers are very committed and bring a lot to our patients so I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to each one of them.”