HEARTLANDS HOSPITAL’S oldest volunteer has spoken about how his role has given him comfort.
Albert Salt, from Shard End, is one of only four volunteers aged over 90, currently giving their time at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB).
And as he approaches his 91st birthday in August, Albert has no plans of slowing down.
Albert began his volunteering journey at Heartlands Hospitals after losing his beloved wife Maureen of 63 years.
After caring for Maureen for ten years Albert found himself struggling with loneliness. But thanks to a gentle nudge from his daughter, he discovered a new purpose and became a hospital volunteer.
After his initial training in 2018 he hasn’t looked back.
On starting his volunteering journey Albert said: “This was the start of my new life thanks to Sarah and the team.”
Albert initially started volunteering on Ward 28, an Infectious Diseases ward, Albert quickly became a valued part of the team.
So much so, he was nominated for a Kind, Connected and Bold award, which he proudly won for his service to the ward.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he was one of the friendly faces behind ‘Parcels for Patients’, delivering essential items and comfort to those in hospital when visitors weren’t allowed, before returning to his beloved Ward 28, as soon as it was safe to do so.
Albert now volunteers three days a week on the ward.
Albert added: “Doing the tea round twice a day and dinners once puts me in direct touch with the patients.
“But it’s the chats in between I love most.
“People talk quite openly, and I go home knowing that my time has brought someone a bit of comfort.
“I’ve gained just as much joy in return. I am blessed and happy that at nearly 91, I’m able to volunteer. I would encourage anyone to give volunteering a try.”
At UHB there are nearly 450 volunteers across the Trust.
Last year they gave over 66,000 hours to helping colleagues and patients. From chatting with patients and encouraging them to eat.
Lucy Binns, director of nursing at Heartlands Hospital said: “Our volunteers are at the heart of our hospitals. We learn so much from volunteers like Albert.
“I know that Albert is a true asset to the Ward 28 team, and he is loved by patients and colleagues alike. He makes such a positive contribution to our hospital, and we are truly grateful. Albert truly embodies the spirit of compassion and dedication and it’s wonderful to see how it has had such a positive impact on his life.”
To find out more about volunteering at UHB, click here.
