A NEWLY-REFURBISHED volunteer café at Crosshouse Hospital has opened its doors to the public.

The Hospital Volunteers group has had a steady presence in the hospital for more than 20 years, running the Hospital Volunteers Café and ward trolley service.

Unfortunately, as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions, the Hospital Volunteers service had to stand down in March 2020.

During this time the number of volunteers reduced, which has had huge impact on the number of services they are able to offer.

Now, thanks to its upgrade, the Hospital Volunteers Café at University Hospital Crosshouse is now open and will be available Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 3.45pm.

Lesley Bowie, chair of Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board, was there to officially open the café.

Lesley said: “It’s a great pleasure to be officially opening the newly refurbished Hospital Volunteers Café.

“Over the years, the generosity of our volunteers has allowed us to improve the overall patient experience.

"Once again, their kind donation has been able to provide a fresh look to a well-established location where patients, visitors and staff can relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee."

Jacqueline Nicol, director of operations,added: “We hope the Hospital Volunteers Café can provide a friendly relaxed atmosphere, as well as a place to get a coffee and a bite to eat.

“I would like to thank the Crosshouse catering team who have been working extremely hard in the background and of course, to the volunteers who happily give their time and energy to provide an invaluable service for patients, visitors and staff.”