Hywel Dda University Health Board, Royal Voluntary Service and Compass Medirest Retail have worked in partnership to reintroduce Withybush Hospital’s much-loved trolley service.

Over the past several weeks, the three partners have worked closely to set up a new ward trolley service for the Haverfordwest hospital, which provides confectionary, newspapers and other items which enhance provision for patients, visitors and staff.

Lisa Gostling, director of workforce and oganisational development, said: “We know how much it means to our patients to see the volunteers on their rounds in the hospital, and are really pleased to have them back on the wards, enhancing our patients’ experience.”

Jason Smith, Royal Voluntary Service operations manager for Dyfed-Powys, added: “We’re delighted to have been able to work with the Health Board and restart our volunteer-led trolley service, in partnership with Compass. It’s great that we’re back on the wards providing a valuable and supportive service to those that need it the most, something that Royal Voluntary Service has done for many years.

“Anyone looking to volunteer for Royal Voluntary Service either in the community, or hospital services, please call 01646 699 108 and speak to one of the team or go to www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.”

Volunteer, Brenda Saunders, commented: “We get greeted very well on the wards by both patients and nurses who are all thrilled the trolley service is up and running. We always ensure no patients are left out. It is lovely to see patients’ faces light up when the trolley is on their ward.”

The volunteers can be found on wards on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30 am until 11.30 am; new volunteers would be welcomed, to enable the service to operate from Monday to Friday.

Simon Brown, Compass Medirest Retail, added: ‘‘It’s great to have the trolley service back in operation at Withybush; it’s something we have wanted from the offset at Compass, but unfortunately it took a little longer than expected to source a trolley.

“We’ve worked closely with Hywel Dda University Health Board and Royal Voluntary Service to get this service up and running as quickly as possible. At Compass, it is our objective to provide and deliver great services for the patients, staff and visitors at each of our hospitals, it’s fantastic to see the trolley service back at Withybush, thanks to all involved for making this happen.

“The trolley service will be making a donation each month to a local hospital charity.”