Duke of Gloucester thanks volunteers at St Bartholomew’s for their service during the pandemic
The Duke of Gloucester yesterday paid tribute to volunteers from Barts Guild for their hard work at St Bartholomew’s Hospital during the coronavirus outbreak.
His Royal Highness called volunteers from Barts Guild, who run some of the hospital’s much-loved support services, including the on-site shop in KGV and the roving trolley service that visits the wards, as well as helping the triage team on the front door.
The Duke expressed his gratitude to Mandy, Jilly and Valeria – and thousands of volunteers like them – who continue to give up their time to support the NHS, making the hospital experience better for patients and families.
Valeria Locatelli, co-chair of Barts Guild and chief audit executive at M&G Investments, said: “Jilly and Mandy are two of our most dedicated shop volunteers.
“At this difficult time, they are still working once a week in the shop and twice a week in the triage team at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
“As the co-chair of the Guild, and a volunteer with the triage team, I was very proud of standing by Jilly and Mandy during the call – it makes all of our efforts worthwhile.”
She added: “myself and my co-chair, Ian McDowell, strongly believe every little helps, and this very much recognises it.
“I’m also delighted that M&G have given me time to volunteer twice a week with the triage team at this challenging time for the NHS.”
The Duke also heard how the Princess Alice Garden is still open to staff and patients – a calming, tranquil outside space within the hospital grounds.
Social distancing measures have been introduced, to allow the garden to stay open for patients.
The Princess Alice Garden, which opened in 1962, is named after The Duke’s mother, who was Patron of Barts Guild before him.
Last year, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visited the garden to mark its major refurbishment overseen by Barts Guild under the direction of internationally renowned garden designer Lady Mary Keen, who donated her services to the hospital.
Barts Guild – formally known as The Guild of the Royal Hospital of St Bartholomew – is a charity, run by volunteers and based at the hospital.
As well as being responsible for the upkeep of the Princess Alice Garden, Barts Guild also awards grants to provide facilities to the hospital not available under the NHS.
Picture credits: Royal Household and Barts Guild