Press release
Dundee’s Roxburghe House recognised with University volunteering award
Published on 21 March 2022
Staff in specialist palliative care unit Roxburghe House have been praised by the University of Dundee as the Student Volunteer Organisation of the Year Award was announced
The annual award is organised by the University’s Careers Service and is open to nominations. It is an opportunity for students to give thanks to and showcase an organisation they volunteer for.
This year, Roxburghe House was nominated by final-year Nursing student Carlyanne Hutton. Carlyanne first started volunteering in Roxburghe House in 2019, providing social support for patients and assisting staff with a number of tasks.
Roxburghe House is a purpose-built unit in the grounds of Royal Victoria Hospital which offers specialist palliative care to patients with a variety of life limiting illnesses.
“I was so thrilled when I was told Roxburghe would receive the award,” said Carlyanne.
“They absolutely deserve it. The staff work so hard and provide a very rewarding experience for volunteers. They are so passionate and are very welcoming and approachable. It’s great to be able to give back.
“As a Nursing student, I’m normally doing quite invasive things, so I really enjoy being able to take a step back as a volunteer and spend more time chatting with patients and learning more about their lives.”
Alison Sellars, Voluntary Services Manager within NHS Tayside’s Specialist Palliative Care Services, last week met with University Principal, Professor Iain Gillespie, who presented the award.
“The work done by the unit and the volunteers is humbling,” said Professor Gillespie.
“The award is a huge thank you from us to Alison and her team at Roxburghe House for providing our students with the opportunity to volunteer and also recognising what they do for the community as a whole. Also to Carlyanne and fellow students who give their time to help such a valuable service.”
Alison added, “We are elated to have won this award. It is an honour to be recognised by the University of Dundee.
“We are lucky to have a large volunteer group within Specialist Palliative Care Services, of which roughly 100 are registered at Roxburghe.
“Working with volunteers is a real privilege. Staff, patients and visitors all say that they add a different dimension to the work within Roxburghe. I truly believe that a huge part of our reputation is built on the work of our volunteers.”
Roxburghe House is a purpose-built specialist palliative care unit staffed by a dedicated team. People are admitted to the unit for short periods of time for the management of problems associated with advanced illness. The multi professional team works with patients and families according to their needs, with the aim of improving quality of life.
Anyone interested in volunteering at Roxburghe House, or other sites within NHS Tayside, can visit the NHS Tayside website for more information.