The Prevention of Delirium Programme (POD) has been running for over 12 months on six hospital wards. POD is highly dependent on the role of the volunteer to engage with patients at risk of developing delirium, including people living with dementia.  In 2014 60 A level students from local colleges undertook this role as part of a formal college scheme called enrichment. Each student committed to attend a designated ward on a weekly basis for 2 to 3 hours providing companionship and social engagement activities.

The student volunteers do a terrific job. However, they require support and guidance throughout their placement. This year 15 students received supervision and leadership from a former Greenhead student, Oliver Linsell. Oliver had taken a gap year prior to commencing university to study medicine in Belfast in October 2015.

In addition to supporting POD, Oliver has volunteered his time to the clinical governance team, gathering feedback from patients for real time patient monitoring.  Throughout both roles he has demonstrated excellent skill in his interactions with patients and staff, and extraordinary enthusiasm and dedication towards improving health care. He has provided inspiring leadership to the students and is popular and respected by them all. His generous and reliable involvement with POD has undeniably contributed to its success and sustainability.

On behalf of the Trust I would like to take this opportunity to thank him, acknowledge his exceptional contribution to health care and wish him every success in his future career.