Inverness hospital honours dedicated 79-year-old volunteer with special award
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EXTRAORDINARY commitment shown by a volunteer at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness has been recognised with the presentation of a special award.
For the past five years, George Beange (79) has supported staff and patients twice a week during mealtimes in the Highland Trauma Unit, ward 3a.
He volunteered after losing his wife to motor neurone disease as he wanted to repay NHS Highland staff for their care, support and attention.
It was also something he had promised his wife he would do.
Mr Beange has now been presented with a Highland Quality Approach award.
The nomination praised his "dedication and determination fuelled in honour of his wife and in appreciation of staff at NHS Highland".
It also said his "efforts reflect the positive values which underpin volunteering and highlight the valuable contribution that volunteers can make in a healthcare setting".
Even while managing his own health challenges, Mr Beange continued to attend the unit on a regular basis and has built up a great rapport with staff and long-term patients who appreciate his contribution.
Louise Galbraith, senior staff nurse for the unit, paid tribute to Mr Beange.
“George is a great blessing to the unit and supports staff, patients and visitor," she said.
"We really do appreciate him and he is such an asset to the ward.”
Professor Boyd Robertson, interim NHS Highland chairman, presented the award.
“We had no hesitation when considering the nomination that George was deserving of the award," he said.
"The commitment and dedication he gives to NHS Highland even through periods of personal adversity has been quite remarkable.
"It was my very real pleasure to present this award to such a worthy nominee.”
The awards aim to reflect action and behaviour that demonstrate quality improvement, or where individuals or teams have gone out of their way to provide quality care.
Nominations are taken from staff, patients, carers and the wider public.
