HRH Princess Anne Visits Lister Hospital Butterfly Volunteers

On 23rd July 2021, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne visited Lister Hospital to present the Butterfly volunteers with their Queens Award for Voluntary Services. The Princess Royal was accompanied by the Lord-lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss CBE CStJ.

The Butterfly volunteers are a group of specially trained people who support dying patients, their families and friends at the end of their life. They offer one-to-one support, compassionate listening, comfort and companionship, particularly for those patients with few or no visitors.

The volunteers can help by reading aloud, offering mouth care, or by making a cup of tea and sitting down for a chat. Sometimes, silent company or just holding their hand is all that is needed. The volunteer can liaise with the ward staff if they feel that the patient has any additional needs.