AN APPEAL has gone out for more volunteers to help out at Southampton's busy hospitals.

Voluntary services department staff have organised an open day at Southampton General Hospital on Wednesday in a bid to recruit more helpers.

Volunteers are needed to support patients and relatives at the four hospital sites across Southampton, but particularly at the Royal South Hants Hospital in the city centre.

Kim Sutton, voluntary services co-ordinator, said: "We are looking for people who can support patients and their relatives to find out more information about their condition, helping our PALS team and the new Macmillan Centre.

"We are also looking for volunteers who can help our League of Friends with the tea bars, trolleys and in the new oncology department offering a service to cancer patients."

Others are needed to join the Radio Lollipop volunteers to play with the children and help relieve their boredom.

Kim and volunteers will be in the entrance to Southampton General Hospital between 10am and 6pm on Wednesday, ready to tell people about the various opportunities available in the busy acute trust.

Volunteers will be on hand to "tell it like it is" and explain why they volunteer and what they gain from their experiences there.

Kim said hospital volunteers complemented the work of staff, helping to enhance patients' and relatives' stays.

Volunteers, who must be over 16, can give a couple of hours a week or a couple of days.

For more information, visit Southampton General Hospital or contact Kim Sutton on 023 8079 6062.