Super Jan is Volunteer of the Year
A volunteer known as Super Jan has been named Volunteer of the Year by East Kent Hospitals Trust.
Jan Aveling has been giving up her time to support the women’s health team at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate for more than two years, calling patients to remind them of their appointments and to answer any queries.
The 68-year-old retired IT professional and project manager has helped reduce the number of people who do not attend their appointment from more than seven per cent to between five and six per cent. Her role has proved so effective it is also being rolled out to other teams.
She said: “I have been treated very well by the NHS, including three operations where I received excellent treatment, so it is nice to be able to give something back.
“I actually started training to be a nurse many moons ago, and although it wasn’t for me at the time I always regretted not completing the course.
“A lot of people are grateful for the personal touch of the reminder call, and I enjoy talking to them. It is no hardship at all and most people are absolutely lovely.”
Jan was nominated by her colleagues, who praised her nurturing personality and helpful nature.
They said: “Jan was very swiftly given the title Super Jan by the team, as she really is. Jan is one of those special, genuine people you feel lucky to come across.
“Her natural personality makes all she comes across feel safe and respected in the most compassionate way.
“If you wanted to find a volunteer who is a walking representation of our Trust values, it would be Jan.”
Jan added: “I am ever so pleased to be so appreciated, but I am just the person who puts someone else’s idea into action.
“The team are so helpful; they prepare the list of patients for me to call, and they are so friendly and supportive.
“I remember when I had to work as hard as they do, and it is just nice to be able to help make their lives a bit easier.”
Jan received her award from Trust Chair Dr Annette Doherty at a ceremony on Thursday.
Annette also presented awards to volunteers Scott Jacobs, Lisa Wraight, and the Participation Partners Patient Participation and Action Group, who were highly commended.
She said: “These awards recognise those whose voluntary service has made a significant and lasting impact within our Trust.
“It honours those who has given their time, energy, and compassion selflessly, supporting patients, families, and staff with unwavering dedication.
“Frankly, we could not manage without you and the contribution that you make.”
Scott is the Trust’s lead youth volunteer; Lisa is a ward kindness companion who also works in the Friends of William Harvey Hospital shop; and the Participation Partners Patient Participation and Action Group are volunteers who use their lived experience to help improve hospital services.
The awards were funded by East Kent Hospitals Charity.