Our Volunteers help improve the Patient Experience
We currently have around 220 dedicated volunteers. They perform a vital part of our care, giving their own free time to support our staff and patients in a wide variety of roles.
Our volunteers are clearly visible in their peacock-coloured uniforms. Our volunteers give their time for free.
Our volunteers make a positive contribution to the experience of our patients and their families. Many of our volunteers have used the services of the hospital and see this as an opportunity to give back, others volunteer to gain experience of working in the hospital environment and aspire to be the next generation of doctors and nurses. Our volunteers are integral to the smooth running of the Trust. We are so proud of our volunteers and the way in which they enhance patient care.
Some of the volunteer roles available at the Hospital are:-
- Hospital Guides – Meeting and greeting then accompanying patients and visitors to their destinations
- Ward Helper – Assists with non-clinical duties on ward areas
- Mealtime Helper – Assists patients at mealtimes
- Patient Experience Surveyors – To meet with patients and record details of their experience.
- Administrators – from reception to putting letters in envelopes, filing, photocopying, making up packs and computer inputting.
- Befrienders or Dementia Buddies – Spending time chatting and reminiscing with patients
- Library Trolley – Taking out book and magazines to patients on the wards
- Catering Assistant – helping in the kitchen, restaurant, shops and café’s around site.
- Courtesy Callers – Phoning patients to remind them of appointments.
Anyone over the age of 17 can apply to volunteer at the hospital. You will need to commit to a minimum of three hours per week for a minimum of 16 weeks.
On receipt of your application form we will offer an interview with the Voluntary Service Manager to discuss the most suitable role for you.
All our volunteers go through a recruitment process this closely mirrors the process followed for paid employees. This includes the completion of an application form, an interview, obtaining of 2 references, carrying out a Disclosure and Baring Check dependent on role, Occupational Health Clearance and Trust wide and local Inductions.
If you wish to be accompanied by a support worker we will ask you both to complete the application process.