3 minute read
End-of-life volunteers recognised in regional awards
East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity has been crowned Community Champion at the British Chambers of Commerce regional awards for the charity-funded Butterfly Volunteer Service.
The Butterfly Volunteer Service, based at Lister Hospital, has a dedicated team of 50 specially trained volunteers who provide care and companionship to patients at the end of life and support for their loved ones.
The volunteers are there when patients don’t have anybody to be with them or if their loved ones can’t be there for their final moments, so nobody has to die alone in hospital.
Bethany McNeil, head of fundraising said: “We are honoured to have won the regional award after receiving the Inspiring Herts Community Champion Award earlier this year.
“Angela and Caroline, our wonderful service coordinators, and our team of dedicated volunteers do such important work and truly go above and beyond for our patients and families.
“The Butterfly Volunteers bring light to patients and families in the darkest of times. Whether it’s just holding the patient’s hand, singing to them, reading poetry or providing a shoulder to cry on when families need it most, they help make those final moments that little bit easier.”
The volunteers also help arrange virtual visits for families who can’t be at the hospital to give them a chance to say goodbye. They can also organise ‘Dying Wishes’, special events, such as an afternoon tea, romantic date night or a last wedding anniversary, to help create those treasured memories. They have even hosted weddings, from simple bedside ceremonies to full services with guests.
The Butterfly Volunteers also give practical support, including providing parking permits and beds for guests so loved ones can stay at the bedside, as well as giving out comfort packs and DVD and CD players to make being in hospital easier.
Some of the feedback received from local families includes: “You supported my husband and myself through the worst time of my life. I am so grateful. Thank you.”
“The butterfly ladies do an amazing job and their support was much appreciated during my mum’s last days.”
“The Butterfly Volunteers provided wonderful support to Richard and his family towards the end of his life. Thank you for all you do.”
In the past 12 months alone, the Butterfly Volunteer Service has made 2,613 visits to patients. In 1,279 of those visits the patient was alone, without a friend or relative to be with them in their final moments. In total, the volunteers gave 1,031 hours of comfort, companionship and care to patients.
The volunteers have made such an impact that in 2020 they were honoured with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to voluntary organisations to recognise their outstanding contribution. The Butterfly Volunteer Service is only possible thanks to kind donations from grateful families and the local community. Bethany said: “It needs £45,000 each year to run it so we would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the Chamber of Commerce members who support it through donations, sponsorship, fundraising and volunteering.”
If you would like to donate or find out more about the Butterfly Service visit www.enhhcharity.org.uk/butterfly or to discuss volunteering or fundraising for the service contact 01438 285182 or email bethany.mcneil@nhs.net.
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