HOSPITAL volunteers have been thrown a thank you party to reward their dedication.

HOSPITAL volunteers have been thrown a thank you party to reward their dedication.

Ipswich Hospital organised the event as part of its celebrations of 60 years of the NHS.

The lunch party marked the hard work of the volunteers and the difference they make to patient care.

The hospital has 400 volunteers across the hospital, helping in a variety of ways from visiting lonely youngsters on the children's wards to greeting and offering support to patients.

Hospital chairman Mike Brookes said: "This hospital would not be the great place that it is without the immense support we get from our volunteers.

"This celebration was just a small token of our appreciation to those who work tirelessly and never ask for thanks."

Hugh Pocock, who has been a volunteer with Hospital Radio Ipswich for ten years, said: "It's a pleasure being a volunteer. Everyone who works at the hospital is here to keep the patients happy and knowing I'm a part of that is a great feeling."

For more information about volunteering at Ipswich Hospital call 01473 704110.

Is enough done to thank volunteers? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.