“Human satnav” volunteer at Wrexham Maelor wins award for 14 years of dedication

A volunteer described as a ‘human satnav’ for Wrexham Maelor Hospital has won a special award for his commitment to helping patients.

Edward Parr  joined the Robins, a volunteer scheme, in 2009. He can regularly be found at the main entrance greeting and signposting visitors and patients to the right department.

For his long service Ed won Betsi Cadwaladr’s University Health Board’s Volunteer Award at this year’s Achievement Awards 2023, held at Venue Cymru on Friday, October 20th.

Julie Parry, Volunteer Co-ordinator for Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: “Ed’s knowledge of Wrexham Maelor is incredible. Ed works hard to keep up-to-date with changes on the Maelor site.

“Ed enjoys helping others and putting people at ease, he is brilliant at that. He has formed excellent relationships with many people in the hospital including staff and fellow Robins.

“He has made, and continues to make, a huge contribution to the Robins’ information booklet and his assistance was invaluable to me, as a newly appointed Volunteers Coordinator when I joined the team earlier this year.

“Ed’s colleagues speak very highly of him and he is their first port of call if they need help.”

As well as his guiding role, Ed is a ward volunteer in the X-Ray Department. He took on a regular Friday evening shift and he is often called upon to step in whenever he is needed.

Diane Manuel-Jones, Office Supervisor for the X-Ray Department agrees that this is a much-deserved recognition for Ed.

She said: “Staff in Radiology have known Ed for a number of years now and I can honestly say that he is a fantastic asset to our department with his cheery welcome and smile, providing the much-needed help of directing all patients to the areas within Radiology.

“I know that if I email Ed or ring him, even at very short notice, that Ed would endeavour to help us out and provide this much needed directing of patients for Radiology.”

When the Covid-19 pandemic prevented Robins from being allowed to volunteer in the hospital, as soon as he was permitted, Ed signed up as a public volunteer at the vaccination centre, and continues working on Saturday mornings at the Catrin Finch Vaccination Centre for the booster programme.

Julie added: “Ed is a wonderful ambassador for the Robins and his commitment to volunteering is amazing. In fact, Ed once appeared on ITV Wales News, where he spoke about the value of volunteering with the Robins, even describing himself as a ‘human sat nav’.

“He continually gives his support to others and is always ready and willing to step in whenever and wherever help is needed.”

Claire Chapman, of award sponsors Rowlands Pharmacy, said: “Volunteers make a huge contribution to the NHS. We were delighted to support this award to celebrate not just the efforts of those shortlisted, but everyone who makes a voluntary contribution to services provided by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

“Congratulations to Ed on his outstanding contribution to Wrexham Maelor Hospital.”