MEET Iram, Linsay and Bertram – three of a growing band of people giving up some spare time to volunteer at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The hospital started recruiting volunteers in October last year and already has 90 who have had security checks, been trained and are out and about in the hospital giving a friendly welcome and helping out on the wards.

Co-ordinator Chris Mills explained that volunteers, who are recruited from a wide age range, offer their support for all sorts of reasons.

She said: “We have people who want to gain work experience to enhance a course they are taking, retired people who want to give something back to the community and those who are considering a career in health. It is mutually beneficial for the volunteer and the hospital.”

Volunteers do not undertake any clinical duties, but may help meet and greet patients and visitors, give directions, serve meals and drinks, change beds and prepare side tables and chat to inpatients. This gives the ward staff more time for their own duties and patient care.

Mum-of-two Linsay Shepherd Faulkner, 36, from Horwich, is taking an NVQ level two in health and social care and works in the care industry. She volunteers on her day off and, along with fellow volunteers Iram Hussain Bibi and Bertram Brooks and others, has been trained in helping to feed patients who can’t manage to do it themselves. This is a vital task to ensure patients receive enough to eat and drink.

“The more I can do the better,” said Linsay.

Bertram, 35, from Great Lever, is married with two children, has a level two qualification in health and care and is currently working as a baggage handler at Manchester Airport.

He said: “I am volunteering because I want to give something back to society. It will also help me to enhance my skills and give me a clearer vision of what I want to do in the future.”

Iram Hussain Bibi is 26, lives in Bolton and has a degree in biochemistry as well as A-levels in health and social care. She is gaining work experience with Bolton College as a lab technician and says volunteering is a good opportunity to learn new skills. But qualifications are not necessary needed to be a volunteer.

Chris Mills added: “What we are looking for are people who are reliable, trustworthy, friendly and are prepared to spend a minimum of four hours a week at the hospital for a period of six months. ”

To find out more visit http://www.boltonft.nhs.uk/work-with-us/volunteer-with-us/