A selfless Friends of St Cross Volunteer who spends up to six days a week assisting staff and patients has seen his dedication rewarded.
Bob Tooze won the Volunteer of the Year category at the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust’s Outstanding Service and Care Awards (OSCAs).
In nominating Bob, Hoskyn Ward Clerk Claire Woon revealed how his commitment once saw him hire a mobility scooter to get to the hospital when an injured ankle meant he could not drive.
Click here to see Claire's nomination.
Bob started volunteering last year for three days a week, supporting the Receipts and Distribution team and the Ward Administration Service.
He is now a Service Co-ordinator leading a team of 25 volunteers assisting Ward Clerks as well as co-ordinating a growing team of volunteers working as mealtime companions.
Bob is regarded as a key member of the team and is seen in the hospital as many as six times a week as well as being constantly in touch by phone and email.
Without anyone asking, he often covers shifts and works longer hours when needed and assists in training new volunteers.
"I want to say how proud I am to be standing here," said Bob on receiving his trophy at the ceremony hosted by BBC CWR presenter Phil Upton at the Double Tree by Hilton.
"It’s been my privilege to support some fantastic teams and outstanding members of staff from top to bottom all working together towards a common goal; delivering world-class patient care.”
"I always say volunteering is a team sport, there are hundreds giving their time to support the Trust,” added Bob. “But it’s easy to excel when you’re surrounded by such magnificent people, both clinical and non-clinical staff.
"I’d also like to mention the Friends of St Cross who work tirelessly to recruit, equip and manage the volunteers."
Click here to see Bob's acceptance of the award.
Willy Goldschmidt, Chairman of the Friends of St Cross, said “Bob’s respect for the team and the people that he works with mean that he is very modest about his personal contribution always emphasising that they are all a team. But teams need leaders and there is no doubt that Bob’s leadership is exceptional. The Friends would welcome applications from members of the community who would like to join Bob and the 100 other Friends volunteers who are now delivering more hours of service than we did before the pandemic.”