THE value of the help and support hospital volunteers provide is impossible to quantify.

But Southend Hospital did its bit to recognise their contribution.

Some volunteers meet visitors in reception and direct them on their way, others drive patients in for appointments, raise money, or help out on the wards, but their help is indispensable.

More than 400 stalwart volunteers were officially thanked this week at Southend’s Hospital Honours ceremony.

Volunteers were invited to a reception, at which individuals and groups were given Hospital Honours for their outstanding service.

Hospital trust chairman Alan Tobias told them: “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to stand here today to thank you.

“There is no doubt your service, and that of other volunteers, helps improve the patients’ experience.”

Among those given awards were Elizabeth Brewster, 78, of Carlton Avenue, Westcliff, a volunteer on the information desk in the maternity unit and out patients’ department.

She has been a volunteer since 2002 and her citation highlighted the way she was always enthusiastic and ready for new challenges.

Liz Denney, 70, of Marlborough Road Southend started working on the central information desk after retiring from her secretarial job in 2003.

She was nominated for her natural way with patients and visitors and her compassion towards the visitors to the bereavement suite.

Doris Trunley 76, of Waltham Road, Rayleigh was unable to attend, but was honoured for her dedication to volunteering on the information desk since 2003. A St John Ambulance secretary in,Rayleigh and with the local WRVS, she also worked with the meals on wheels service before becoming a hospital volunteer.

Mary Eyers, 75, of Orchard Side, Eastwood, was also unable to be there, but was given an award for the time she has spent since 2000, helping in the outpatients’ department.

Bosom Pals charity shop volunteers Debbie Fuller, Dianne Bromfield, Tony Collins, Sylvia Hughes, Nicky Gooding, and Davina Randall were all awarded for their work in the shop in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff.

The final award went to Pets as Therapy volunteers, who bring animals into the hospital to boost patients’ morale. Tom and Liz Ireland,from the organisation attended with their dog, Honey, to accept the award.