xxx, xx AUGUST 2024

Photographs attached: 1 – Senior Charge Nurse Jen Stewart and Kusha Jaggi 2 – Sophie Strachan 3 – Anna Gorkowska 4 – Callum McGrath

Young people recognised for volunteering with NHS Tayside

Fourteen NHS Tayside volunteers have been presented with a national award which recognises the commitment and contribution of young people in volunteering.

The Saltire Award is open to volunteers aged between 16 and 25 who can sign up to record their hours and learning gained through volunteering placements and claim certificates for key milestones.

Saltire Award certificates were presented to the following volunteers for their volunteering efforts in acute services at Ninewells Hospital:

50 hours

Fatima Fzea, ward 18

Rebecca Gray, ward 4

Dhariya Salie, ward 16

Dan Taylor-Derwick, Acute Medical Unit

25 hours

Alanis Gibson, ward 16

Amy Hirons, ward 38

Lavinia Ismail, ward 26

Kusha Jaggi, ward 16

Alina Khan, ward 16

Callum McGrath, Acute Medical Unit

Chidumebi Okwuodigbo, ward 4

Virag Szeman, ward 4

10 hours

Anna Gorkowska, ward 4

Sophie Strachan, ward 11

Ward 4 volunteer Anna Gorkowska said, “Receiving the Saltire Award was a really nice recognition of my volunteering hours with NHS Tayside. I enjoy helping staff to serve tea and coffee, chatting with patients and helping them with their menu choices. Volunteering has helped to build up my confidence and the conversations I have with patients has led me to think about a future career as a GP once I’ve completed my degree.”

Sophie Strachan, who volunteers on ward 11, said, “It’s great to receive the Saltire Award. I’m really enjoying volunteering and I find it very rewarding.”

Kusha Jaggi volunteers on ward 16. She said, “Volunteering at Ninewells is incredibly fulfilling. To be recognised as a young person giving back to the community only adds to the absolute joy I feel interacting with patients and healthcare professionals.”

Acute Medical Unit volunteer Callum McGrath said, “I would encourage anyone considering volunteering with NHS Tayside to do so. The dedicated staff have been very welcoming and supportive. To be a listening ear for those on the ward is a privilege”.

Voluntary services manager Val Ewan said, “We are grateful to all our volunteers who give their time to NHS Tayside, and we enjoy celebrating our young volunteers who have reached Saltire milestones. Saltire Awards offer a great recognition of the contributions young people make to our organisation. Volunteers tell us the difference the opportunity makes to them in terms of increasing their confidence as well as providing an insight into what it is like to be in a clinical environment.

“At this time of year many of them end their volunteering journey with us as they are moving away to study at university. I wish each of them well and thank them for everything they have done for NHS Tayside. For those who remain with us we look forward to seeing them collect their next Saltire Awards soon.”

Contact:

Cara Longmuir

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740720