Dedicated Sue gets an invite from the Queen - The Worcester Observer

Dedicated Sue gets an invite from the Queen

Worcester Editorial 18th May, 2018   0

A COUNTY woman who dedicates her free time to supporting patients in the Emergency Department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital has been recognised for her hard work with an invitation to attend a Royal Garden Party with the Queen later this month.

Sue Perry, who has volunteered at the hospital for the last 12 years, received the invite to Buckingham Palace after a nomination by the lead doctor in the department.

Sue, who is part of the hospital’s chaplaincy volunteer team, spends two days a week in the busy A&E department at the hospital.

Having started her volunteering spending time across various wards in the hospital back in 2006 – talking with patients, reading to them or answering their questions – Sue moved to support the Emergency Department in 2015.




As an ex-nurse, Sue has years of experience reassuring and relaxing patients. Her voluntary role with the hospital chaplaincy supports patients, families and staff on the unit who might be struggling or going through a hard time.

Sue spends time talking with patients who might be scared or anxious about their treatment, offers support and spiritual guidance for families who are worried about a loved one, as well as providing a comforting ear for any staff who may be facing difficulties at home or in work.


Dr Jules Walton, Medical Director for Urgent Care at Worcestershire’s hospitals, who nominated Sue for the invitation said: “Sue’s work is hugely beneficial for the department. I nominated her as a ‘thank you’ for all she does for us.

“She gives patients time and support, she can have a really calming effect on some of our patients as well as explaining what’s happening to them. Particularly for those who are frail or very elderly she is a godsend!”

Clare Bush, A&E Matron, said: “Sue just looks after us! She helps us give holistic care to our patients and helps absorb some of the emotional weight for our nursing staff. She is a really important part of the team.”

Sue said: “I’m here really to help staff and patients do what they need to do! I help offer a reassuring and listening ear to people who might be distressed or scared. I can give patients, families or staff confidential spiritual advice about anything that is bothering them.

“What’s good is that I can give that pastoral side the nurses simply don’t have the time for. It’s not just me doing this though, there are around 30 of us in the hospital all helping give spiritual and pastoral help to people of any faith or none.”

David Southall, lead chaplain at the hospital said: “Sue has become an integral part of the A&E team. She’s a friendly face on the department and the staff are really happy to see her whenever she is on shift.”

If you are interested in volunteering at your local hospital, e-mail [email protected].

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