Johnson looks to raise NHS volunteer numbers

Health secretary Alan Johnson has launched a consultation into raising voluntary participation in the NHS, social care and the third sector.

Johnson announced the six-month consultation on Tuesday after working in a shop at St Bartholomew's Hospital in central London, describing volunteers as the "lifeblood of the NHS and social care services".

The consultation will focus on raising the self esteem and profile of volunteers, and will also raise the prospect of encouraging a more diverse range of volunteers through one-day training programmes.

It will lead to a national volunteering strategy for next year and focuses on greater emphasis on the evaluation of volunteering and allowing more coherent investment to support volunteers' involvement.  

"As we prepare to celebrate the NHS's 60^th anniversary, we would like to pay tribute to the volunteers who help shape the service and for us all to recognise, encourage and support volunteering," Johnson said.

The health secretary explained that it was his intention to "articulate a clear vision of how volunteering fits into the health, wellbeing and social care system".

Health minister Ivan Lewis said: "Every day thousands of volunteers, supported by the relentless work of organisations across the country, bring a passion and dedication to healthcare that enhances patient care and helps develop services matching the needs of local communities.

"As with all health services, it is crucial that volunteers maintain the highest standards. The training and best practice that 'Volunteering in Health' is to provide will help maintain standards and, importantly, improve the experience that volunteers have."