VOLUNTEER workers at two Hamp-shire hospitals have received praise for the vital work they do in helping to keep things running smoothly.

More than 500 hours a week are regularly worked by a team of 450 volunteers at Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust.

Their role at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and Andover War Memorial Hospital is now seen as pivotal, both in terms of helping patients and staff.

The variety of work undertaken by volunteer staff has also changed with them currently involved in helping pressurised departments, running stand-alone patient/visitor services such as shops and the hospital radio and library services, and fundraising.

The type of people volunteering has also been transformed.

Many more students are now offering their time in return for valuable work experience - and the work also appeals to people considering a change in career.

One such volunteer is Patrick Philips who is training to become a biochemist.

He started working as a volunteer at Royal Hampshire County Hospital post room after an injury forced him to rethink his career. Volunteering gave him the chance to experience life in the hospital before taking the plunge into retraining.

NHS trust chairman Barbara North said: "I would like to publicly acknowledge the excellent work of our large volunteer force, supported by very effective co-ordinators, within Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust.

"We are extremely fortunate in having more than 450 volunteers of all ages, in a wide range of roles who give their time freely to help this trust meet its targets and deliver high quality patient care.

"Whether they are directly helping patients, supporting our busy staff or fundraising, everyday a large number of people benefit from their generosity, for which they have our immense thanks".

For further details on the work of volunteers within the trust or to volunteer yourself, contact the volunteer co-ordinator Pat Bull on 01962 825446.