Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust volunteer at Newark Hospital celebrates 90th birthday

A volunteer who has dedicated 17 years to supporting patients, visitors and staff at a hospital has celebrated her 90th birthday.

Pat Allen, who volunteers in the Podiatry Department at Newark Hospital, received a flower arrangement on behalf of everyone at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to celebrate her special milestone today (February 27).

Sally Brook Shanahan, director of corporate affairs at the trust, and Jo Thornley, the trust’s community involvement manager, surprised Pat with the flowers, which were provided by the Friends of Newark Hospital.

In her 17 years of volunteering, Pat has worked in various areas including Radiology (MRI), Pre-op Assessment and Sconce Ward.

Before taking early retirement more than 30 years ago, Pat was head of department for adult education at Newark College and also worked at the Nottingham College of Art.

On retirement, a colleague advised her to take the opportunity to learn new skills and so she enrolled at university to study German before spending a year in Germany to develop her language skills further.

Pat uses her calligraphy skills to update the Newark Hospital Book of Remembrance that is kept in the Chaplaincy Department, and she also enjoys crochet and jigsaws.

Pat said volunteering helps to keep her mentally and physically active and enables her to give something back to the community.

Jo Thornley, community involvement manager, said: “On behalf of everyone at Newark Hospital and Sherwood Forest Hospitals, we wish Pat a very happy birthday. We are grateful for everything Pat does to support our patients, visitors and colleagues at Newark Hospital.”