Earlier this month I was honoured and privileged to attend our annual Volunteer event as we celebrated the work of our 70-plus excellent volunteers and said thank you for all the wonderful services they provide.

Since I started at the Golden Jubilee, I’ve been delighted to hear how our volunteer service is continuing to thrive with volunteers working across 14 different areas, supporting both patients and staff.

It is no surprise to me that Volunteer Scotland estimate that formal volunteers contribute £2.5 billion to the Scottish economy. Certainly at the Golden Jubilee last year, our volunteers provided an absolutely amazing 3,413 hours of volunteering across 1,532 sessions. Their passion, enthusiasm and experience are crucial in helping to make our services truly person centred for every person who comes through our doors.

The dedication and commitment of our volunteers and the staff who support them is why we have achieved Investing in Volunteer accreditation since it was introduced 10 years ago. We are very proud of this accomplishment, and as we publish our Volunteer Services five year strategic plan, I very much look forward to continuing to work with our volunteers now and in the future.

Our aim is to continue developing a thriving, inclusive volunteer service which meets the changing needs of patients, the organisation and the local community. You are all an important part of our team at NHS Golden Jubilee and I want to thank you for your time and dedication.

Every one of our volunteers makes a major contribution to supporting safe, effective person-centred care at a time when patients are at their most vulnerable and we wouldn’t be able to provide the high quality care and effective services we have, without you. Our volunteers are all welcome and important members of NHS Golden Jubilee, so on behalf of the Board and our patients, thank you!

This month we also celebrated the first anniversary of our Allied Health Professional (AHP) Strategy.

Our radiographers, dieticians, physiotherapists and occupational and speech and language therapists work with patients and staff to help them live healthy, active, independent lives through person-centred care.

As an AHP myself and having helped launch the strategy last year, I was delighted to be invited along to speak at the event. It was wonderful to hear first-hand about all the excellent work that has already been achieved and the difference that this is already making to our patients and staff. This is only possible because of the dedication and ‘can do’ attitudes of each and every AHP here at NHS Golden Jubilee, and I am extremely proud that you have chosen to be a part of Team Jubilee!

Susan