AN 83-YEAR-OLD hospital volunteer has received royal approval for her efforts.

Eileen Waters, who has been a volunteer at Blandford Hospital for the past six years, has received a Coronation Champion Award from His Majesty The King and Queen Camilla for her outstanding contribution to voluntary service.

The Coronation Champion Awards celebrate extraordinary people across the country who have made a real difference to their communities.

Eileen was one of 500 people chosen from thousands of nominations to be recognised by the Royal Voluntary Service as part of the coronation celebrations.

The news came during Volunteer Week which runs between June 1 and 7, with Dorset HealthCare celebrating the difference Eileen and other volunteers make to patients, staff and carers.

Eileen helps on the Tarrant Ward for older people who need rehabilitation and palliative care, spending quality time and supporting them at their most vulnerable times, as well as leading activities such as reading and playing games, and helping ward staff.

She has even visited patients in a local care home once they have been discharged from the hospital to provide a friendly, familiar face.

“I started volunteering as I wanted to do something where I could make a difference, where you could see what you’ve done and feel what you’ve done,” she said.

“I leave the hospital so thrilled and delighted.

“When I heard I had got the Coronation Champion Award, I felt proud, honoured and humble all at the same time.

“Knowing I was one of just 500 winners felt unbelievable – tears ran down my face.”

Hospital Matron Annette Sanchez said: “Eileen is a ray of sunshine and so very valuable to us. She is fabulous with the patients, giving them her time and patience, chatting with them and showing such care.

“She has the incredible ability to listen to the needs of every patient.

“She has supported hundreds of patients during their stay, making them laugh, listening to their needs and providing comfort, and is especially considerate to those without loved ones.”

Proud Eileen with her award certificate

Kim Mansbridge, Dorset HealthCare’s volunteers development lead, praised Eileen’s work over the years.

“Eileen is the sole carer for her very ill husband and is recovering from a recent operation herself, but still finds the time to help others,” said Kim.

“We are very lucky to have such amazing volunteers who give us the gift of their time for the benefit of our patients, staff and carers. Volunteers bring such joy to our hospital wards and services, just with their smiles and willingness to help and support.

“If you have some spare time, we are currently looking for more volunteers to join our friendly community hospitals to undertake what is a very rewarding role.”

Find out more about volunteer roles and how to get involved at www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/join-us/volunteers.