Newbury Vaccination Centre's Amazing Technicolored Volunteer of the Week

Newbury Vaccination Centre's Volunteer of the Week is Sally Miles – 'a real gem'.

Mrs Miles has been with the volunteer team from the start, she features in the patient journey video and is distinctive with her wonderful regularly changing coloured hair.

She was nominated by a fellow volunteer, who said: "We had two separate patients that needed special care. I remembered these patients from their first jab and Sally also was instrumental in reassuring them – the first lady was having a serious panic attack and the other, a gentleman, had severe breathing difficulties. Sally did her job with a calming expertise, got them checked in and arranged for them to go straight through to the vaccinators – all with a smile and a gentle touch.

"She really is a special lady who made sure two very vulnerable people got vaccinated. Sally is a real gem and always makes our job at the front door run seamlessly."

Mrs Miles, who has lived in Newbury all her life and has two grown up children, said: "I decided to join the team, because I was working from home and had some extra time on my hands."

She works as the clinical lead for Trust House, a charity which provides therapy for children and young adults.

"It's been challenging for the charity during the pandemic, but we have continued to provide a service to children who need it," she added.

She said the volunteering experience has been a real eye opener.

"It has been such a positive experience and so enjoyable to be a part of," she said. "I am heading towards retirement having just turned 60 and it has made me think about volunteering opportunities when I do retire."

Mrs Miles can usually be found at the entrance, offering people hand sanitiser and directing them to the right surgery desk.

She said: "You see people from all walks of life and the sense of cooperation is incredible."

Mrs Miles said she is looking forward to seeing more of her work colleagues as things open up again, rather than working from home, and meeting up with family and friends again.