A mayor has appealed for more volunteers to improve the quality of older patients’ lives at Stafford Hospital.

Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust Foundation Trust is expanding a scheme from Cannock Hospital, which involves Age Concern volunteers assisting the elderly with practical tasks.

The idea has been backed by the Mayor of Stafford, Councillor Ann Edgeller, who said: “The job that volunteers do is an invaluable one. It’s so important when elderly people are in hospital that they are reminded that someone cares for them.

“The Age Concern ward volunteers do a tremendous job, working alongside the hospital’s nursing staff.”

Around 70 volunteers who help patients to eat and get them involved in activities, have been visiting Littleton Ward at Cannock Hospitals since April 2007, and trust and Age Concern South Staffordshire now want to expand the scheme to Stafford Hospital – and are appealing for people to come forward to bolster the numbers.

Elizabeth Gooch, Volunteer Co-ordinator for Age Concern South Staffordshire, said: “We aim to improve the quality of life for older patients whilst in hospital and support them back to independence, where appropriate, by improving confidence and general well being. The volunteers will also be in a position to identify any further Age Concern South Staffs services, which could prove valuable for the individual on their return home.”

Volunteers for the scheme work on a rota basis to cover all days of the week, based around mealtimes. They sit with patients while they eat their meals to “support where necessary” and help with distributing drinks.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Gooch on 07919167762 or e-mail volunteer.co-ordinator@acsouthstaffs.org.uk.

As revealed by the Express & Star last week, the idea has met with a mixed reaction from health campaigners, come of whom argued that paid staff should be carrying out the tasks.