A dedicated volunteer for Princess Alexendra Hospital has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of her work to connecting patients with their loved ones during the pandemic.

Alison Lawrence, a former volunteer who is now voluntary services deputy manager at the hospital, is a finalist for ‘Volunteer Leader of the Year’ at the Helpforce Champions Awards 2021.

Ms Lawrence’s work includes helping to coordinate visits, where patients can have precious video calls with their loved ones via video conferencing, and message to a loved one, where friends and relatives can send messages to inpatients by email or phone call. The messages are then collated and shared each day.

She said: “I am overwhelmed to be shortlisted for this award – it means so much to me to have made a difference to patients and their families during the Covid pandemic.

“I knew straight away that I wanted to be part of the frontline. I was previously a clinical safety facilitator for patient safety, experience and quality and wanted to do all I could to help. I am proud of how virtual visiting has developed and I am excited to continue my work."