Trust celebrates longest-serving volunteer after 40 years of dedicated service

A much-loved volunteer who completed a full career with West Midlands Police before dedicating the next 40 years to supporting patients, visitors and staff has been recognised for her outstanding service to The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.

Sheila Jones, the Trust’s longest-serving volunteer, has given an incredible four decades of service across Russells Hall Hospital and, more recently, the Merry Hill Health Hub.

Sheila first began volunteering after spending several months in hospital herself. Grateful for the care she received, she decided she wanted to give something back. She said: “I had been in hospital for several months and the staff were fantastic with me. I wanted to give something back in gratitude for the treatment I received.”

Before becoming a volunteer, Sheila had already completed a full career with West Midlands Police. She began as a telephonist before going on to become the superintendent’s clerk and Sub Divisional Admin Officer. Sheila began volunteering with the Women's Royal Voluntary Service before moving into the Trust’s volunteer service in 2004. Over the years, she has taken on a wide variety of roles, including evening volunteering, wayfinding in outpatients and A&E, supporting a shop at Russells Hall Hospital, and helping to run the coffee bar in outpatients.

Sheila said some of her fondest memories come from her time in the coffee bar, where she enjoyed speaking with patients and staff and getting to know so many familiar faces. She added: “My best time was helping to run the coffee bar in outpatients at Russells Hall. I really enjoyed interacting with patients and staff and getting to know many of them.”

It was there she met fellow volunteer Pam Boucher, who has volunteered for the Trust for 30 years and continues to support outpatients and the out-of-hours volunteers’ hub. Sheila now volunteers in adult blood test clinics at Russells Hall Hospital and the Merry Hill Health Hub. Reflecting on why others should consider volunteering, Sheila said: “It is a wonderful thing to do. I enjoy it and would recommend others to join. You get so much back for what you give.

“You make friends, you are there to help others who are in need, and it fills your spare time while keeping you mentally and physically active. It is useful for young people who want to pursue healthcare careers, but it is equally important for retired people too. It gives routine, helps you feel useful and keeps you active.”

Jane Goldsmith, Hospital Volunteers’ Coordinator, said: “Sheila is a truly remarkable member of our Trust. Having served a full career with West Midlands Police before then dedicating 40 years to volunteering in the NHS, her commitment to public service is nothing short of extraordinary.

“From helping patients find their way, to offering a friendly face in clinics and supporting services across the hospital, Sheila has made a real difference to countless people over the years. We are incredibly grateful to Sheila, and to all of our volunteers, for the time, care and compassion they give so freely.”

The Trust is marking Sheila’s milestone during Volunteers’ Week, a national celebration of the contribution volunteers make across communities. Volunteers play a vital role across The Dudley Group, supporting patients, visitors and staff in a range of areas, from wayfinding and outpatient support to ward-based roles and community services.

Anyone interested in volunteering with the Trust can find out more by visiting https://www.dgft.nhs.uk/careers-at-dudley/volunteering/