The Hospital Volunteers of University Hospital Crosshouse have once again demonstrated the extraordinary impact of community spirit and generosity, presenting NHS Ayrshire & Arran with a cheque for £300,000 at their recent Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The latest donation brings the incredible total raised by the volunteers since 2001 to more than £5.575 million, helping to enhance patient care and support services across University Hospital Crosshouse and the wider organisation.
For more than 25 years, the Hospital Volunteers have been a part of life at University Hospital Crosshouse. Hundreds of volunteers have contributed their time, energy and compassion to support patients, visitors and staff, running the shop, café, and ward trolley service.
Speaking at the AGM, Lesley Bowie, Chair of Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board, paid tribute to the volunteer team and their remarkable achievements.
She said: “The Hospital Volunteers are at the heart of University Hospital Crosshouse, and we are enormously grateful for everything they do. Their kindness, dedication and commitment make a difference every single day, whether they are welcoming visitors, supporting patients or helping staff.
“For many people arriving at the hospital, our volunteers provide the first friendly face they see. Their warmth, compassion and professionalism help create a positive and reassuring experience from the moment someone walks through our doors.
“The impact of their fundraising over the past 25 years has been truly remarkable. Thanks to their generosity, we have been able to invest in initiatives and equipment that directly improve care and comfort for patients and families, including reminiscence interactive therapy and activities to support those living with dementia; specialist equipment used during bowel surgery; and the Road to Recovery wall in the stroke unit.
“To have raised more than £5.575 million is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the dedication of every volunteer who has contributed over the years.
“On behalf of NHS Ayrshire & Arran, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all 246 volunteers for the invaluable contribution they make to our hospitals and communities. They are an integral part of our team, and we are incredibly proud to work alongside them.”
The volunteers’ fundraising efforts have funded a wide range of projects and equipment that have made a meaningful difference to patients and families, helping to improve comfort, care and wellbeing throughout the hospital.
Anyone interested in joining the Hospital Volunteers team and making a difference in their local community can find out more by emailing hospitalvolunteers@outlook.com.
The Hospital Volunteers would like to thank the following people and companies for their generosity in donations for the AGM:
| Adorn | Ann Forbes | Beijing Banquet |
| Bella Luca | Cafe Da-Vinci | Cameron the Butcher |
| Concrete Creations | Faulds the Butcher | FHM / Fiona Orr |
| Hidden Haven | Longhouse | Mary, Agnes and Jessie |
| McChristies | Morrisons | Oceans 11 |
| Odeon | Peking Star | Scissor Sisters |
| Tesco | The Centre Stage | The Duke |
| The Secret Garden | Varani / Forum | W.W Wales |