PTS Volunteering Team – Unsung Hero Awards

Nomination

Award Category:

Volunteer of the year

Individual or Team Nomination?

Team

Qualifying Qualities

In these challenging times, nominators were asked to show how the nominee had demonstrated the following qualities:

Exceptional work ethic - going above and beyond their job description, especially in the past 12 months.
Outstanding achievement/s in work or outside of the organisation where relevant.
Drive for innovation and proactive leadership in these challenging times.
High level of interpersonal skills, such as kindness, empathy, loyalty and thoughtfulness to staff and patients.
A resilience considering Covid to their role and to the health and wellbeing of their colleagues.

Nominators Answer

Nominee's story :

EMAS Patient Transport Volunteers have faced a difficult 12 months as they have fought the challenges of COVID-19. The team was significantly depleted when many volunteers were forced to shield, preventing them from undertaking their usual duties. This challenge was met head on by the team - as many undertook alternative responsibilities, including assisting the supply chain for those still able to undertake patient facing roles. Volunteers have also been actively helping our Fleet colleagues with PPE distribution for a year now. In total the team have still managed to clock up an #EMAZING 405,062 miles in the last 12 months, to 31st March 2021 supporting our patients. Graham, who increased his volunteering availability to support patients in response to the pandemic has undertaken 28,006 miles in the last 12 months for PTS said “So since April last year I have been working up to 40 hours a week, in fact more hours per week than before my retirement…and you can't beat driving through the Derbyshire Dales on a sunny day with Classic FM blaring out (Only when no passengers, of course!)” Maisie, who joined the team as a support volunteer, only recently whilst on furlough from her job said, “It feels good to know that you’re helping, especially in a pandemic, everyone is so welcoming… and I like my uniform!” She plans to continue volunteering for as long as she can by integrating her volunteering role alongside her employment. Gordon, who volunteers supporting EMAS Fleet with the delivery of supplies to hospitals and Ambulance Stations as well as staffing the volunteer office said “I've always thought of this with "for the sake of a nail" in mind when thinking of helping keep crews and patients safe. It would feel just wrong knowing a crew had to miss a call for the sake of a mask. Even when crews didn't need PPE they always seem grateful for the offer. I'm glad to know being a small part of this helped the bigger team.” Sandra, has been volunteering for a couple of years now – specializing in ringfenced work – she keeps the same patients who are undergoing renal dialysis enabling her to build a long-term therapeutic relationship with not just her patients but their families as well. “I love the role and the patients are always grateful. I have been driving all through the last year, and lockdowns, and never came against any problems. We have the knowledge that we have the support and care from those that are in charge, who make sure that we have the necessary equipment and PPE is always available to ensure our safety.” The Volunteering Team have remained upbeat and positive throughout. As we emerge from lockdown, more volunteers are returning to duty, and are keen to pick up their prior roles helping patients across Derbyshire and Northamptonshire with a medical need for transport, and also ensuring that supplies are readily available for our front-line colleagues.