Jewel of Volunteering in Wales

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 10th May 2005

Local AM Michael German has described the British Red Cross in Wales as 'The jewel of volunteering in Wales'.

Following a visit to highlight Red Cross Week, Michael German OBE AM said, "The British Red Cross in Wales do a brilliant job of which they can be rightly proud. But much of the work done by this excellent organisation is hidden from public view. They provide a lot of support to patients of the Royal Gwent Hospital."

During the meeting at the Red Cross site at Stow Park Circle in the Stow Park area of the city Mr German met with Red Cross Director for Wales Jeff Collins, Red Cross Staff and Volunteers.

The British Red Cross Society is part of the International Red Cross and Red Cross Movement. Incorporated by Royal Charter since 1908 the organisation today takes on many modern roles including Home Visits, Therapeutic Treatments given by Volunteers, Loans of medical equipment, Supporting and Escorting patients to and from hospital. Support is also given to hundreds of refugees. Eleven people are based at the Newport centre.

South Wales East AM Mr German continued, "We all know of the Red Cross from their First Aid Service at public events and their international presence in refugee camps, but there is a huge amount of unknown work that goes on. Much of it helps to relieve pressure on the NHS such as the medical equipment which is loaned. Many patients of the Royal Gwent Hospital have benefited from their excellent work."