Tommy goes out of his way to make sure the patient will get to their appointment on time

Submitted by Lindsay Rutherford-Hoe, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Tommy Young is one of the Trust’s volunteer drivers and has been volunteering for approximately 18 months. Tommy’s late wife received care from the Trust which led him to want to give something back to the NHS. Tommy has definitely done that in spades! Tommy is a very thoughtful volunteer who always goes that extra mile and exceeds expectations.

As a driver, Tommy helps to get patients home who have been discharged from hospital but he also brings them in for outpatient appointments, no matter what time of the morning, Tommy will always go out of his way to make sure the patient will get to their appointment on time.

During lockdown, Tommy refrained from the patient contact role for a short period, however he was still supporting the Trust in any way he could and collected and delivered food which was donated by a local restaurant to our staff, twice a week. He also helped deliver medication from the hospital pharmacy to people in the community.

Tommy shows a great deal of compassion for our patients, particularly for those who are lonely and do not have family and friends for support. One patient who was receiving treatment for cancer lived alone with very limited furniture. Tommy knew a man with a comfy armchair and arranged delivery for the patient so he could rest in comfort.

Feedback from the patients he brings into the hospital tells us they are grateful for the company and chat on the way to their hospital appointments as it takes their mind off what they are going through.

Tommy told us “I enjoy being able to make a difference to people and being able to put a smile on someone’s face. Particularly for those who may be lonely and not have regular contact with people, it is rewarding to know that I have made a difference to their day.

"When I put my volunteer badge on I feel proud to be part of this NHS team and I hope that my role as a volunteer can help ‘do good’ for the patients we look after."

Tommy is a genuine, caring individual who wants to give his time to help make a difference to staff and patients, he is a brilliant volunteer and perfect example of someone wanting to support his local community through the Trust and its patients.