COLUMN: Vital work of carers and volunteers

Awareness weeks celebrating carers and volunteers both took place in June and gave opportunity to consider what a tremendous impact these individuals have on our communities.

For carers, it is a candid reminder that they need looking after, too. National statistics suggest there are some 6.5 million people in the UK caring for an ill, frail or disabled family member or friend.

Their unwavering commitment, often 24 hours a day, sometimes sees them supporting almost every aspect of daily life. Put simply, the challenges to our health and care services would be even more profound without them.

Considering the needs of carers and family members and working with them is vital to us being able to plan the best and most appropriate care for our patients.

Volunteers Week was also another opportunity to say a very special thank you to those who make such a huge difference.

At Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, volunteers support a wide variety of services, from making cups of tea on inpatient wards to setting up equipment in cardiac rehabilitation classes.

We are looking forward to saying thank you in person to as many of our volunteers as possible at our staff awards ceremony in September for The Emily Jane Glen Celebration of Volunteers.

It is dedicated to the memory of Emily Jane Glen, who was a committed volunteer who lost her battle with cancer in 2015.

Andrew Morgan is chief executive of Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust