You may assist patients, help visitors and families or support staff, where needed. Whatever your interests, we are sure to have something to suit your needs, skills and spare time!

Volunteers have expressed how much they value this experience especially:

• Having a sense of satisfaction from helping others
• Meeting people and making friends
• Developing leadership skills
• Creating a balance in your life
• Using skills that enhance your professional life
• Receiving recognition 

Who are our Hospital Volunteers?

Volunteers come from all different backgrounds: some are retired, while others are employed or maybe wanting a career change, or break. Young people are welcome but it is not possible to consider them for some opportunities unless they are over 17 years. Many young people who are considering applying to study medicine, nursing, or other professions allied to medicine may find spending time doing voluntary work will help them decide on a future career.

All volunteers names are entered in the Register of Volunteers as this is a requirement for both legal and insurance reasons and this department will ensure that volunteers are suitably trained and can work safely throughout the Trust.

Volunteers DO make a difference every day!

• They enhance the care provided by Hospital Staff
• Make patients stay more comfortable and so help speed their recovery
• Allow staff more time to concentrate on the tasks they have been trained for
• Provide patients with services that make their hospital experience less stressful

Can I volunteer?

We welcome all volunteers from age 17 upwards, whatever your background. There is no upper age limit, providing you are reasonably fit.

All volunteers are recruited via a similar process to paid staff, this includes the need for occupational health screening and CRB (police checks) clearance where necessary.

At the current time we have 70 Volunteers doing various tasks, including meeting and greeting patients, chatting with patients on the wards, tidying flowers and changing water. We are currently looking for new volunteers for Ward based duties, particularly assisting patients at meal times.

Come along to the Voluntary Services Department, based at main reception in the hospital, and have a chat. We will find something to suit your needs, skills and spare time.

Still Interested?

Please contact Jane Derry, Voluntary Services Co-ordinator on 01432 372970.