Community hospital volunteers retire after 18 years

Two long-standing volunteers at Frome Community Hospital have retired after 18 years of service.

Diana and Rachael joined the old Frome Victoria Hospital in 2007 and have been doing the hot drinks round ever since. They both said one of the highlights of their role was serving tea to the Countess of Wessex in 2008, when the newly built Frome Community Hospital opened.

“That was probably our main highlight,” said Diana. “We have also loved the role, doing something for the community and seeing familiar faces at the hospital.”

The pair took up volunteering because Diana’s daughter worked at the hospital. “We just thought it would be something good to do and it snowballed from there,” said Diana.

Over the years, Diana and Rachael have helped raise hundreds of pounds for the hospital through selling knitted Easter bunnies, chicks and Christmas puddings filled with chocolates. Although they are retiring from their volunteer roles, the pair will continue with their knits to keep raising funds and will be back this year with their creations.

A spokesperson for Frome Community Hospital said, “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Diana and Rachael for the years they have spent coming to the ward to make tea and talk to patients. They will be sadly missed by the staff, but we look forward to seeing what knitted goodies they come up with.”

For more information on volunteering at Frome Community Hospital, visit https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/recruitment/volunteering/.

Pictured: Rachael and Diana with Frome Community Hospital Heather Ancill Matron