Volunteers who supported the Critical Care Unit at Walsall Manor Hospital prior to the Covid-19 pandemic have paid a personal – and permanent – tribute to staff by presenting them with a plaque.

The commemorative plaque, commissioned and designed by volunteer Howard Crabtree, bears the message: “You gave bravely for us all. With deepest thanks to the ICU team at Walsall Manor Hospital for their calm, understated professionalism and dedication from the ICU volunteers.”

Howard joined fellow volunteers Ken Binsley and Michelle Turner to hand over the plaque outside the unit last month to grateful staff, supported by Walsall Healthcare Volunteer Co-ordinator Jan Martin.

He explained: “Our role was to greet visitors to the unit, take them to where they needed to be and also provide some reassurance when they arrived. The Critical Care Unit can be a scary place if you’ve never been on one before with all of its machines and the fact that patients are the sickest in the hospital.

“When Covid struck we were stepped down but staff were always in our thoughts throughout the pandemic. They have been through so much and we wanted to show them that we appreciate all they have done for Walsall people over the last difficult year. We hope to be able to continue volunteering now that the number of cases and prevalence has reduced.”

Ward Manager Rachael Hajdu said: “This is so kind and thoughtful of our volunteers and also reminds us of the most challenging time that we have ever experienced in our careers. In turn, we also appreciate our volunteers and thank them for supporting the unit, making a real difference to our patients and their families.”