South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) Volunteer Event

Thanking the heroic South Western Ambulance Volunteers

Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of hosting the South Western Ambulance Service’s annual volunteer event at Eastwood Park, perfectly kickstarting Volunteer’s Week 2022.

We welcomed the incredible Community First Responders (CFRs) from across the South West, who volunteer and dedicate their time to helping members of the public in their time of need. Sometimes this can be providing reassurance before the ambulance arrives; sometimes it’s saving a life.

We also had a flying visit from the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity!

Eastwood Park’s CEO, John Thatcher said “We had no hesitation when SWAST approached us to offer to host the celebrations. It is our utmost pleasure to be able to welcome volunteers from the region, particularly during what has been a hugely challenging time for all, but none more so than those at the sharp end of the pandemic. It is also pertinent as we have continued to support the NHS through the training delivered daily to the estates and facilities teams and technicians that have kept the equipment and facilities in hospitals maintained and compliant.”

During their visit, the volunteers were welcomed with a talk from our General Manager, Paul Cadby. Followed by an awards ceremony, where the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire presented a number of extremely well deserving volunteers with their Platinum Jubilee Medal.

We also provided a guided tour of our new training facility to a number of attendees. Of particular interest was our new Medical Equipment theatre, a mock theatre which offers real-life training.

It was an honour to meet with the volunteers and we are so grateful for what they do – you are all heroes! Thank you, from all of us at Eastwood Park.

#OurNHS