In your hospital
Hospitals look after our health and save lives. Staff do their best to care for the person as well as he body. Sometimes, however, a little extra care can make all the difference to patients and their families. WRVS volunteers make that difference.
WRVS Shops and canteens
A symbol of community service, the WRVS shop or canteen is often one of the first things people see on their visit to hospital. The WRVS is the country¹s largest voluntary organisation and our members are committed to being the premier providers of care in their local communities. We provide a reassuring reminder of caring values within the modern NHS, as well as a much needed practical source of refreshments and provisions. 32,000 WRVS volunteers help in 900 hospitals nationwide for one reason – they care. Our values may be traditional, but our management is progressive. In response to the increasing financial pressures on hospital trusts, the WRVS is developing a competitive, commercial approach to increasing the already substantial funds raised by our 1,450 hospital projects.
Ward services
The sound of the WRVS trolley is eagerly awaited on many hospital wards. Magazines and snacks are welcome indulgences during a stay in hospital. The company of WRVS volunteers is a special tonic. Looking good makes all the difference to feeling good. That¹s why patients enjoy the refreshing attention of WRVS volunteers who often can do their hair, give manicures and help them put on their make up.
We alleviate pressure on nurse¹s time by filling in menu cards and arranging flowers. Our volunteers have the time to help patients with their letter writing and to sit down for a friendly chat.
Guide services
A trip to hospital can be a daunting experience. It is important that a friendly face is there to meet patients on arrival. WRVS information desks and guides provide reassuring company.
WRVS Activities at Royal Hampshire County Hospital
Butterfield Shop (Main entrance)
Mon – Fri 10.00 am – 4.30 pm
Sat & Sun 02.00 pm – 4.30 pm
Selling cold drinks, sweets and chocolate, biscuits, crisps and snacks, sandwiches and buns (week-days), greeting cards, flower arrangements, ballpoint pens, stamps, newspapers and magazines (week-days), toiletries, tissues, combs, playing cards
etc.
Flowers and gifts (Reception area of Maternity Unit)
Mon – Fri 09.00 am – 4.00 pm
Welcoming and directing visitors. Selling bunches of fresh flowers, soft toys, balloons (overprinted for boy or girl), greetings cards, ballpoint pens and tissues, newspapers, sweets and chocolate.
Out-patients Tea Bar (Main O.P.Unit)
Mon – Fri 09.00am – 4.00 pm
Selling hot and cold drinks, sweets and chocolate, biscuits, crisps and snacks, sandwiches and buns (weekdays), greetings cards and postage stamps.
Ante-Natal Tea Bar (Maternity Unit)
Mon – Fri 9.00 am – 12.00 noon
Tu. Wed. Thu.2.15 pm – 04.15 pm
Selling hot and cold drinks, sweets and snacks, also a range of baby clothes and selling tickets for the Ultrasound scans. Taking new patients to special Gynaecology Waiting Area.
Out-Patients Dept. Hostess (Main O.P. Dept)
Mon – Fri 09.00 am – 12.00 noon
Welcoming and escorting patients/ visitors to O.P. clinics etc. as required. Assisting Tea Bar staff when necessary and by carrying Doctor¹s trays to consulting rooms.
Trolley Service (Nightingale, Brinton and Butterfield Wings)
Wed. & Thurs. 1.45 – 3.50 pm
Selling to patients on wards – drinks, confectionery, stationery, toiletries, stamps.
Nightingale Information Desk (Lower Ground Floor – Level B)
Mon – Fri 9.30 am – 12.00 noon and 1.30 pm – 4.00 pm
Answering questions and giving information to the public. Guiding and escorting as required.
Melbury Lodge Shop (Melbury Lodge Mental Health Care Unit)
Mon – Fri 09.30 am – 11.30 am
Saturday 10.00 pm – 12 noon
Selling cold drinks, sweets, chocolates, crisps and snacks, cigarettes and tobacco, greetings cards, ballpoint pens, stamps, newspapers and magazines, toiletries, tissues, batteries, sundries.
