17 July 2025
“Essential” volunteers at Cannock Chase Hospital have been centre stage at a celebratory event to recognise their commitment to supporting staff, patients, and their families.
League of Friends volunteers at Cannock Chase Hospital alongside representatives from The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
A team of 20 operates the hospital’s welcome desk and coffee bar on level two, organised through The Stafford and Cannock League of Hospital Friends (LOHF) charity.
Volunteers see an average 300 people each day across the charity’s wider hospital sites, assisting with wayfinding and signposting to support services.
In 2023 the charity marked its 50th anniversary, with support at the Cannock site dating back to 2009.
The event, which took place in the hospital’s education room, celebrated 12 months of the volunteers being back in action after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christine Foster, Volunteer Co-ordinator for LOHF, welcomed the group as it tucked into afternoon tea.
“I’d like to thank you all for dedicating your time and energy to volunteering,” she said. “We are incredibly proud of you all.”
Garry Perry, Associate Director for Patient Voice at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, praised the “essential” work they do “each and every day.”
He said: “As volunteers you choose to be here – and whether it is building friendships or giving back to your local community, whatever the reason, you are making a big difference to others.
“Many of you will have been patients also, and these lived experiences help us to keep improving our services here at RWT.”
Andrew Rice, Head of Patient Voice, added: “The patient experience starts with you – at the front door when they see your smiling faces.
“The value of what you do is huge, so please continue what you’re doing as you’re doing an amazing job.”
Between March 2024 and March 2025, the charity raised more than £9,000, with the coffee bar at Cannock Chase Hospital taking £2,700 of that total.
Funds raised go towards buying items that will improve patient and staff experience, as well as supported housing for local people with mental health needs.
Zoe Pyatt, Head of Housing at LOHF, said: “Our housing team aims to promote independent living – helping those with complex needs to access accommodation and develop the skills they need to find stability and thrive.
“We house an average of 60 people a year and couldn’t do that without the work of our volunteers.”
Barbara Hayley, a retired domiciliary care worker, is one of the charity’s longest serving volunteers.
The 78-year-old said: “Volunteering was something I’d wanted to do for years, and I love it. I’m a people person and I get to see new faces every day.
“I had a hip operation here three years ago and the care was fantastic. It’s great to give something back.”
Retiree Linda Baker, 74, has a background in sales, and has been able to transfer these skills to her volunteering role.
“I have always loved speaking to people, and part of what we do here is about clear communication,” she said.
“It is a privilege to hear people’s stories when you’re serving them. Honestly, all the patients and staff are lovely – it’s a joy.”
Christopher Walters, 69, is retired after working a range of job roles, from mining to carpet fitting. He joined the team in 2024.
He said: “The NHS has done a lot for me over the years, and I’ve been treated so well.
“I love the team I work with – we make each other laugh. I’d definitely recommend volunteering here at the hospital to others.”