MORE than 50 people have shown an interest in volunteering at a new oncology centre in Worcester.

A recent call for volunteers at the state-of-the-art centre based at Worcestershire Royal Hospital saw people come forward to attend two information sessions at the centre.

The centre — which opens in January 2015 — is looking for friendly people who are interested in helping out in a number of key areas, including in the Royal Voluntary Service shop and coffee shop, in the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre, and in ‘meet and greet’ roles.

The volunteers will help ensure that the patients, their families and carers who will benefit from the services on offer, have a positive experience when they attend for radiotherapy appointments.

Sandra Griffiths from the Diglis area of Worcester, was one of the people who attended the event to offer her services.

Mrs Griffiths, who has been through radiotherapy treatment herself, said: “It was my own experience which prompted me to come along and see how I could help out. I found that when I was having my treatment in Cheltenham, it was the friendly volunteers who were there every day who really made a difference to my experience.

“I feel that I can be a friendly face when patients and their families attend the centre, and I have been through the same thing so can help put people at ease if they are anxious.”

The centre means people living in Worcester who need radiotherapy treatment will no longer have to travel to Coventry, Cheltenham or Wolverhampton for treatment.

Elizabeth Williams, volunteer so-ordinator for Royal Voluntary Service at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, said: “We were overwhelmed by the level of interest in volunteering at the centre and have been really impressed with the skills and experience of those who have attended the sessions.

“The volunteer programme is a great opportunity to work with NHS professionals, expand your knowledge and learn a lifelong skill at the same time as contributing to your local community.”

If you would like to volunteer, call Elizabeth Williams on 01905 733159 or email Elizabeth.williams@worcsacute.nhs.uk.