UHSussex Voluntary Services

02/10/2025

A personal story from Laurence Penn about his battle with COVID-19.
In his new book, www.bednumberone.com, Laurence shares his moving journey through the virus and shines a light on the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and skill of the NHS staff who saved him and countless others.
It’s a reminder of why our local hospitals are essential pillars of our communities and why businesses should stand strong in supporting them.
Join Laurence at St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester, on Friday 3rd October from 9am - 12pm for a special book signing.
He’ll be sharing stories from his experience and is eager to connect with anyone who wants to hear firsthand about the fight against COVID-19.
Let’s come together to celebrate the NHS and ensure they have the support they need. 💙

05/09/2025

What a fabulous way to wrap up another busy week - by meeting the remarkable 'Val & the Gals!'

The work of Val and her dedicated group of knitters is truly inspirational; week after week, they lovingly create tiny clothes, blankets, and keepsakes for babies born sleeping - a beautiful act of kindness which brings such comfort to parents when words fall short.

Full of heart, talent, and community spirit, these ladies really encompass what volunteering is all about 💓

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

05/09/2025

Today is National Charities Day. We have a fantastic Charities Team working University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and you can find out more at the following address https://www.myuhsussex.org/. Whether you have your sights set on running a marathon or you've always wanted to skydive, have a challenge for every kind of fundraiser! Check them out!

22/08/2025

🎉 GCSEs done? Your future starts now! 🌟
Whether you’re celebrating top grades or proud of your personal progress, your GCSEs can open the doors to a future in healthcare and we’re here to help you walk through them.

Over the last year, more than 120 apprentices completed qualifications from finance and healthcare science to healthcare support and leadership programmes. Could you be next?

At University Hospitals Sussex, our paid Apprenticeship Programmes are your gateway to a rewarding career in healthcare.
✅ Build real-world skills
✅ Earn while you learn
✅ Grow into permanent roles, further education, or even leadership.

Ready to take the next step?
Explore our apprenticeships and start shaping your career at UHSussex!
https://ow.ly/WYec50WJuat

13/08/2025

It's a busy time of year at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Our gardening volunteers are working hard to make the green spaces in our hospital buildings accessible for patients and staff to enjoy. Thank you for all of your hard work!

13/08/2025

Would you like to support your local Hospital in Shoreham and be part of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to support in the League of Friends Cafe based in the Eye Clinic at Southlands Hospital.

Duties would include:

• Keeping the kitchen and seating area of the cafe clean and tidy • Date rotation of snack and fridges, including Health and Safety rules and operating the till • Filling up the chiller with soft drinks and light snacks • Dispensing hot drinks using machine • Clearing and wipe down tables

If you would like find out more about the recruitment process, please see below link

https://uhsussexvolunteers.goassemble.com/opportunities/92071-southlands-league-of-friends-volunteer-2025-06-25

09/07/2025

Dr George Findlay is standing down from his role as Chief Executive at University Hospitals Sussex.

As we prepare to launch our new Trust strategy for 2025-30, we will set out how we can realise our potential as one of the largest trusts in the country to provide consistently excellent care across all our hospitals.

George said: “Given that this strategy is for the long term, it’s right that I consider my role in what will be five years of dynamic change and improvement.

“I’ve worked in the Trust for more than 10 years and I’m very proud to have been its chief executive for the last three. However, leading such a large, diverse organisation is a hugely demanding job and I do not anticipate continuing to do so for a further five years.

“I believe it’s in everyone’s best interests that the strategy’s delivery is led by someone who is committed to being here through to 2030, rather than have to change leadership part way through.

“Leading UHSussex – and more importantly the people who make it what it is – has been a genuine privilege for me so this is a difficult decision, but it is the right one.”

As well as looking to the future, it’s important we reflect on the impressive progress we have made together (and this is merely scratching the surface):

🤝The successful merger of two large trusts into a single organisation

🏨the completion of the Louisa Martindale Building

📋we’ve made massive progress on planned care waiting lists and on waiting times for cancer diagnosis and care

📉in ED we’ve halved the number of people waiting for more than 12 hours

✨and a new centre of excellence for colorectal cancer surgery has been created at Worthing Hospital, and we’re starting to develop our new specialist stroke centre at St Richard’s Hospital.

Our forthcoming five-year strategy seeks to go further, to fully unlock the great potential we have as a single, unified Trust.

George said: “I truly believe that our new strategy, delivered by the brilliant people working in all our hospitals, provides the blueprint for a very bright future.”

A handover will begin from mid-July and Trust Board will oversee the appointment of a successor for the long term.

More about this announcement can be found on our website: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/news/change-of-leadership-at-uhsussex/

03/07/2025

🛎 To celebrate the NHS's Birthday tomorrow, Peabodys are offering all staff and volunteers any hot drink for £1.50 between 10am - 11am TOMORROW - Friday 4th July ☕

🎈 Happy 77th Birthday to the NHS! 🎈

🎉☕ Celebrating the NHS Big Tea! ☕🎉

Join us for a special Happy Hour on Friday, 4th July from 10.00am - 11 am as we honour the NHS 77th Birthday 🌟

Enjoy any hot drink for just £1.50! NHS staff and volunteers only.

Let’s raise a cup to our incredible NHS! 🥳💙

26/06/2025

We’re excited to announce the installation of a new InPost Parcel Locker at St Richard’s Hospital, offering staff, patients, and visitors a fast, convenient, and sustainable way to send, collect, and return parcels.

This project was spearheaded by Tomasz Makola, Accommodation Manager at St Richard’s and Worthing, and staff governor for St Richard’s.

Tomasz took the initiative to propose and lead the installation as part of his professional development during his level five operations / departmental manager apprenticeship course.

He said: “I saw an opportunity to bring something practical and sustainable to the hospital. As part of my apprenticeship, I wanted to lead a project that would have a real, lasting impact on the hospital community."

"The idea for the InPost locker came from seeing how many of us struggle to find time for everyday tasks like collecting parcels. I’m proud to have brought this idea to life-it’s a small change that I hope makes a big difference for staff and visitors.”

Following the success of this installation, plans are underway to roll out InPost lockers across other UHSussex sites, including Southlands, Worthing, Royal Sussex County, and Princess Royal hospitals.

Well done and thank you, Tomasz! 💙📫

19/06/2025

Here are our top tips to keep your pets cool in hot weather ☀️ Remember, all establishments would sooner see a healthy, happy pet rather than one that is struggling.

If it is too hot to walk your pet at the time of your visit, it may still be safe to attend if you can keep your pet cool whilst travelling in the car. Ensure the establishment has a cool environment, as visiting in a hot environment can be exhausting and stressful for your pet.

16/06/2025

Great to see our volunteers recognised for the contribution they make to teams! 🙌👏

The Royal Sussex County Site Hospital Hero Award goes to... the Reception and Volunteers at the Louisa Martindale Building! 💫

This award is for staff who are the jewel in their team, whose drive, enthusiasm or good sense of humour inspires those around them, especially at times of difficulty or stress.

Well done team! 💙

16/06/2025

Well done Chris! 👏👏👏

Our valuable Volunteer of the Year Award goes to... Chris Samraj. 💫

This award is for volunteers who have made a major difference to a patient, relative, colleague or team through their community-spirited commitment to serving their local hospital.

Amazing achievement. 💙