VOLUNTEERS are being sought by a charity's award-winning service, to help run a proposed 'meet-and-greet' scheme for patients and visitors at a Newport hospital.

The Age Cymru Gwent Robins hospital ward volunteer service already provides company and a range of practical help for patients at St Woolos and the Royal Gwent Hospital.

This involves support for patients at meal times, help with hair and nail care, and chatting and reading to patients.

They also help with letter writing, phone calls, and shopping.

The Robins service, which is celebrating its 10th birthday this year, has earned plaudits from patients, families and staff, and has won and been nominated for several awards for its work since 2008.

Now it needs another 20 or so volunteers to help run the 'meet and greet' service.

This will be based at the entrance to the Springfield Unit at St Woolos Hospital. The service is scheduled to begin in July.

"It will provide valuable information, help and support to patients, their families, and all visitors to the unit," said Christine Tucker, who manages the Robins.

"The aim is that it will operate over two sessions, 9am-12.30pm, and 12.30pm -4pm, Monday-Friday.

"The service will be run entirely by our volunteers who will give their valuable time to enhance the experience of your visit to the hospital.

"It came about because Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is inundated with inquiries from patients, their families and friends, asking if there is anyone who could meet them from taxis, or their own vehicles, to escort them to the wards.

"This is especially so for people who are living with disabilities.

"Also, many patients and visitors walk around St Woolos trying to find their way.

"This is a very exciting project for us. The service is much-needed and I hope it will be a great success."

Anyone who would like to get involved with the 'meet and greet' service may get further information by contacting Christine Tucker on 01633 234129 (office), or 07824 347730 (mobile).

Alternatively, she can be contacted via e-mail, at robins@agecymrugwent.org