This week (2-8 June) is Volunteers’ Week – running every year since 1984, it provides a crucial opportunity to thank volunteers and recognise the value of their time, passion and skills. The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK.
At Newcastle Hospitals Charity our team of more than 220 volunteers give up their time to support patients, staff and the wider communities of Newcastle Hospitals. Our volunteers work in a variety of roles across the trust and last year contributed more than 37,000 hours.
This year we were delighted to launch our North East assisted ventilation volunteer driver scheme. A dedicated team of just four volunteer drivers who deliver and collect essential assisted ventilation equipment to patients across the North East and North Cumbria.
Since January 2025 the team have covered more than 7,000 miles, making sure that more than 250 patients have timely access to equipment. These aren’t just any deliveries – they’re lifesaving. Each driver, using their own vehicle, travels an average of 200 miles per day to make sure patients relying on assisted ventilation receive essential equipment directly to their homes.
This unique service bridges logistical gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural or hard-to-reach areas. It allows patients to stay in familiar home surroundings while receiving the support they need. But the work is not without emotional weight. At times, drivers are called to retrieve equipment from the homes of patients who have sadly died – a task they handle with the utmost compassion and respect.
Each volunteer has their own reason for giving up their time. For Alan, it’s his love of driving that helps makes this role so special. He said: “One of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is the chance to meet patients, their families, and caregivers. Additionally, since I have a passion for driving, I find it incredibly satisfying to travel to various places, including Northumberland, Cumbria, Yorkshire, and Tyne and Wear.”
This service enables patients to receive life-saving ventilation equipment in their own homes, while also providing crucial support to NHS teams managing care across a large geographical area.
Most importantly this makes sure that care goes beyond hospital walls and reaches patients when and where they need it most. Katie Kaiser, senior nurse specialist for the assisted ventilation service said: “The team have found the volunteer drivers a great support to our service. We have a volunteer driver available each day of the week which allows us to plan for equipment to be delivered to patients and collections to be arranged.
“This allows us to give patients a confirmed date that the kit they require will arrive and reassures them that a plan is in place.
“The volunteers are very flexible and are always willing to go above and beyond to help us meet the needs of our patients and deliver our service across a very large geographical area.
“They are a delight to work with. We are very pleased to have them as part of our team.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver for Newcastle Hospitals Charity, and making a real difference to our staff and patients, then visit our website.
