Volunteer Opportunities

Job overview

Additional working pattern details

Monday – Friday 08.30 – 16.30

Contract type

Volunteer

Contract duration

A minimum of 6 months

Please note that volunteering is an unpaid role – we are unable to offer sponsorship as volunteering does not meet UK sponsorship requirements

Volunteers are a valuable part of The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire; our highly committed volunteers can be found in all areas of the hospital supporting our patients/visitors and staff. Volunteering allows people to give something back all for as little as three-four hours a week. It is a great way to make a difference, meet new people and learn new skills.

We welcome volunteers from all abilities, backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. Everyone has something unique to offer and we are committed to ensuring our volunteers have a rewarding experience and their contributions are recognised.

We are looking for people to support 6 specific volunteering roles within the Trust.

• Response (Mon-Fri 08.30 -16.15)
• A&E Department (Mon-Fri 08.30 –– 16.30)
• Book Trolley Volunteer (Mon – Fri 9.00 – 16.15)
• Chaplaincy Volunteer (Mon-Fri 08.30 –16.30)
• Ward Buddy (Mon-Fri 08.30– 16.30)
• Desk guide (Mon – Fri 08.30 - 16.15)

IMPORTANT - When you apply, in your supporting information please include the following:

If you are looking for an alternative role then please return at a later date as different roles become available throughout the year.

Please clearly state in your supporting statement which role you are interested in.

• Which role do you want to do and why? Ie Brew buddy, Ward, Pharmacy etc Use the example of the roles being offered above
• Why do you want to volunteer at the hospital?

* Please note: If applicants do not meet the criteria i.e. commit to hours Mon – Friday 08.30-16.15 or you do not state which role you are applying then the application will not be shortlisted. **

Please be aware due to the high interest in these roles the vacancy may close earlier than advertised.

If you need additional support completing your application form, please contact us on 01536 491599 to book an appointment with the team.

Main duties of the job

Response Volunteer - This role will involve working across all departments, i.e. Collecting and delivering notes / swabs / medication / equipment, running errands. Provide a Meet & Greet service which will require wheelchair training. Supporting patients with video calls and running errands for various departments.

This role is available Mon-Fri 08.30 – 16.15.

A&E Volunteer - Provide directional support to guide patients to the correct areas within A&E and other parts of the hospital, chat, engage with patients, ensuring stock for staff i.e. alcohol wipes.

This role is available Mon-Fri 08.30– 16.30.

Chaplaincy Volunteer - To complement the work of our Hospital Chaplaincy team visiting our wards.

This role is available Mon-Fri 08.30 – 16.30.

Desk Guide Volunteer - To greet and welcome patients and visitors to the hospital whilst offering information and support. Answer general enquiries as required. Provide the courtesy ‘Meet & Greet’ service (wheelchair training required).

This role is available Mon – Fri 08.30 - 16:15.

Book Trolley Volunteer - Prepare the book trolley with a selection of reading materials to offer to all wards. Promote the bedside book service and encourage patients to choose books, offer activity packs. Advise patients with smartphones or tablets about the Borrow Box available on the Northamptonshire Library website.

This role is available Mon – Fri 09.00 – 16.15.

Ward volunteer - Spending time with patients providing a listening ear and engaging in friendly conversation. Helping hostess to serve meals to then encourage patients to eat and drink. To greet patients or visitors on arrival and during their stay.

This role is available Mon-Fri 08.30– 16.30.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DESK GUIDE

• To greet and welcome patients and visitors to the hospital providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
• To help patients and visitors find their way to different parts of the hospital.
• Offer patients and visitors information and support to reach their destination, to include location of stairs, lifts, telephones, wheelchairs, and car parking machines.
• Provide clear and accurate directions with signposting and maps to visitors.
• Answer general enquiries as required.
• To assist patients and visitors to book the buggy service and log requests in a timely manner.
• Providing a courtesy ‘Meet & Greet’ service (wheelchair training required)
• Answer incoming telephone calls professionally and action as appropriate.
• Be proactive in assisting anyone who may be or looks lost within the hospital.
• To be aware of steps taken to safeguard the health and safety of patients/visitors and staff, observing all rules and regulations appertaining to their safeguard and have an up to date knowledge of all proceedings for dealing with this.

BOOK TROLLEY

• Prepare the book trolley with a selection of reading materials before starting rounds on the wards.
• Use universal wipes to clean the trolley before entering ward areas.
• Promote the bedside book service and encourage patients to choose books during rounds, offer activity packs containing puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, etc.
• Advise patients who have smartphones or tablets about the Borrow Box feature available on the Northamptonshire Library website, which provides access to a wide range of e-books, audiobooks, e-newspapers,
• Note and follow up on any specific book requests or interests.
• Collect books left behind by discharged patients and adhere to infection prevention guidelines.
• Return the trolley to its designated storage area after completing rounds.
• Follow all guidelines and procedures to maintain a safe and clean environment.

RESPONSE

• Collecting and delivering notes / swabs / medication / equipment & running errands from various departments / wards
• Providing a courtesy ‘Meet & Greet’ service (wheelchair training required)
• Assisting with patient / family video calls on wards
• Visiting / chatting to patients who may not have visitors on wards
• Support within A&E and Pharmacy departments (over 18’s only with full training)
• Assist with wellbeing rounds, offering drinks to patients
• Undertake patient / staff surveys to collect data to understand their experience
• Confidentiality must be always maintained regarding patients and their property
• Guide people around the hospital and be proactive in assisting anyone who may be lost or need help
• Take the Brew Buddy out to support staff wellbeing
• Whilst carrying a radio always ensuring you speak professionally over the system and never speak about patients over the radio

WARD

• Spending time with patients providing a listening ear and engaging in friendly conversation as appropriate, demonstrate respect and sensitivity to all individuals.
• Chatting / Reading to patients who may not have visitors.
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times of all details appertaining to patients, their relatives, and staff.
• To greet patients or visitors on arrival and during their stay, providing a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.
• To sit alongside patients at mealtimes chatting and encouraging them to eat and drink, ensuring food and drink is within easy reach and accessible to the patient.
• Helping the hostess to serve meals and deliver snacks to patients.
• Make drinks for patients and ensure water jugs remain full.
• Assist with keeping patient bed areas tidy.
• Making drinks for visitors, including the day area. Wash and tidy kitchen area.
• Highlight the infection control stations to all visitors and point out gel dispensers to them. Replenish gel dispensers as required.
• To be aware of steps taken to safeguard the health and safety of patients/visitors and staff, observing all rules and regulations appertaining to their safeguard and have an up-to-date knowledge of all proceedings for dealing with this, in particular wearing aprons and gloves where appropriate and attention to hand washing/gel.
• To engage in any other appropriate activity under the supervision and direction of the Clinical staff such as replenishing stocks
• Undertake patient surveys in a ward environment to understand the experiences of a patient.

A&E

• All areas – restock clinnel wipes, PPE
• Wipe areas down once patient has left
• Deliver bags/clothes to patients in A&E and the hospital when dropped off
• Linen Trolleys – each area has different requirements, check the needs & restock as required, ensuring it is tidy
• Provide directional support to guide patients to the correct areas within A&E and other parts of the hospital.
• Chat & engage with patients
• Offer food & drink if allowed.
• Ensure kitchen areas are clean.
• Activity Boxes – supporting older patients by engaging in activities to improve their wellbeing supporting Northamptonshire Carers Hospital Team
• Sluice – Tidy rooms, ensuring enough stock for staff e.g., alcohol wipes, specimen pots