Sports student's work experience leads to top award

For the first time, a volunteer has been named as Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s Employee of the Month.

Alex Watson, 17, from Little Lever, started as a volunteer at the Royal Bolton Hospital last year, combining this as his work placement from Bolton College where he is studying for a Sports BTEC. He is hoping to train as a Physiotherapist when he leaves College. He spends two to three hours on two days a week supporting the Trust’s Patient Experience Team, helping to gather views for a survey known as the Friends and Families Test,  including talking to patients and inputting data.

He said: “I used to be quite shy and when I first started I wouldn’t speak to anyone.  Now I’ve definitely come out of myself. I like the people I work with. It’s hard work but rewarding.”  

Alex was nominated for the award by Tracy Joynson, Patient Experience Manager, who said: “Alex’s support helps the Trust to collate patient feedback in a timely manner enabling us to make a difference to the experience of our patients.  He always arrives when promised with a smile on his face and works extremely hard integrating with the rest of the team. He is a real asset to the Trust and my reason for nominating Alex is to say a huge thank you on behalf of the Patient Experience Team for all he has done for us and continues to do for us. We really appreciate it.”  

There are a number of roles for volunteers at the Trust, including being visitor guides, helping on the wards and supporting fundraising.

Find out more here or contact voluntaryservices@boltonft.nhs.uk or call 01204 390 560.