WRVS opens third outlet at Trust

University Hospital of North Staffordshire has teamed up with WRVS to open a new outlet in the state-of-the-art Maternity Centre. The outlet is the third WRVS shop to be opened at the Trust and offers a variety of services. WRVS donated more than 72,000 pounds in December 2008 to the Trust from income generated by the other outlets. WRVS has 120 volunteers based at University Hospital and the Haywood Hospital.

Ann Turner, WRVS Co-ordinator at University Hospital, said most volunteers work three or four hours a week. She said: "People I know remember working for WRVS here over 30 years ago when we were in a small wooden hut. The new outlet couldn't be more different, it's beautiful. It sells everything from baby clothes to fresh coffee and sandwiches. Our youngest volunteers are 14-years-old and our oldest is 89-years-old. Our volunteers want to give something back. Volunteering helps them to stay young and they enjoy meeting our customers and giving them a very warm welcome."

Lynn Hensman, WRVS service delivery manager for North Staffordshire, said: "It's really great that we are opening another outlet in the hospital. We know our fantastic volunteers get a great deal of pleasure from their work, and the service they provide gives so much more than just a cup of tea. We're delighted to be able to provide such a valuable facility and give something back to the hospital at the same time."

Steve Rushton, Charitable Fund manager, is delighted to have the support of WRVS. He said: "WRVS has been around for 70 years and the services they provide in places like hospitals are instantly recognisable. Their shops and cafes are manned by volunteers who do a fantastic job within our hospital. This new outlet in the Maternity Centre will provide an important service, not just for new mums but for staff, patients and visitors across the City General Hospital site."

The profits generated by WRVS are donated to the Trust’s Charitable Fund to make a real difference for patients. Steve said: "With support from WRVS we can help provide extra equipment, improve facilities at the hospital and generally improve the overall quality of care provided for patients. I'm delighted WRVS continue to support the Trust in this way and I hope everyone visiting the City General Hospital site will make full use of this outlet."