FRIDAY, 13 DECEMBER 2024

Photographs attached: 1 – Baliqis Akinni. 2 – Georgia Berry. 3 – Callum McGrath. 4 – Morgan Riddick

Young people recognised for over 400 hours of volunteering with NHS Tayside

Twenty three 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 NHS Tayside:

50 hours

Amy Hirons, Ward 38, Ninewells Hospital

Callum McGrath, Acute Medical Unit, Ninewells Hospital

Sara Oussaiden, Dudhope Young Peoples Unit

25 hours

Baliqis Akanni, Ward 19, Ninewells Hospital

Georgia Berry, Ward 16, Ninewells Hospital

Ava Bousie, Ward 16, Ninewells Hospital

Suvetha Manoharan, Ward 3, Ninewells Hospital

Arpi Rahmen, Ward 1, Ninewells Hospital

Morgan Riddick, Ward 38, Ninewells Hospital

Sophie Strachan, Ward 11, Ninewells Hospital

Amy Wilson, Ward 1, PRI

Abdul Zahid, Ward 1, Ninewells Hospital

10 hours

Leen Alqassmi, Ward 4, Ninewells Hospital

Ayesha Arshad, Ward 19, Ninewells Hospital

Ali Hussain, Ward 19, Ninewells Hospital

Oona McGuiness, Ward 3, PRI

Lekka Mohamed, Ward 26, Ninewells Hospital

Nabeeha Saber, Ward 19, Ninewells Hospital

Anees Saghir, Acute Medical Unit, Ninewells Hospital

Zymal Salam, Ward 4, Ninewells Hospital

Methuli Sellahewan, Ward 3, PRI

Brooke Shields, Ward 19, Ninewells Hospital

Thasara Wijayaweera, Ward 26, Ninewells Hospital

Callum McGrath has racked up an incredible 50 hours of volunteering with NHS Tayside. He said, “I’ve learnt a lot whilst volunteering in the Acute Medical Unit and I look forward to making a small positive difference to at least one patient’s stay each week. I’m very thankful to staff for making me feel welcome and appreciated.”

Ward 18, Ninewells Hospital volunteer Baliqis Akanni said, “The Saltire Award shows me that my dedication was truly worth it and that my efforts are recognised. I really enjoy chatting with patients of all ages, especially being there to keep them company. It’s incredibly meaningful when they say ‘thank you’ after each conversation.”

Morgan Riddick, who volunteers on ward 38, said, “I was really surprised how quickly the hours mounted up for this award. Volunteering is enjoyable and rewarding. It feels good and is effortless. I am getting so much out of volunteering and hope it will help with a career change.”

Georgia Berry volunteers on ward 16. She said, “It is good to have this recognition of my volunteering hours. I am really enjoying talking to the patients and hope I can make their day a bit better.”

Volunteer Services Manager Val Ewan said, “We are very fortunate these young people choose to give up their time and volunteer for NHS Tayside. 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.

“Well done to you all and we look forward to recognising your next milestone award soon.”

Contact:

Cara Longmuir

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740720