A HOSPITAL is appealing for more volunteers to help patients.

St Peter’s Hospital, in Maldon, wants people to help out in areas such as the mobile shop and patient support.

The service is led by Provide, which wants to boost the number of volunteers into the hundreds.

Volunteer co-ordinator Lorraine Pendleton said: “There are patients whose family or friends are unable to visit for a variety of reasons and this can be quite isolating.

“Our amazing team of volunteers take round our small pop-up shop which means patients can buy newspapers, sweets and any toiletries they need.

“We also need people to help patients when they attend appointments.”

Volunteer sessions are for two to three hours a week and full training is provided. For more details, email provide.volunteering@nhs.net or call 07773 480035.