Claire Dawson
Volunteering in hospitals in the UK is a rewarding way to gain experience and develop skills, while giving back to the community. Volunteers are crucial to the NHS, working alongside skilled staff in a variety of departments. There are over 300 types of roles in the NHS, ranging from one-off opportunities to long-term commitments. Each hospital offers different volunteering options, from ward and department volunteers to administrative support, patient participation groups, and fundraising. Ambulance Trusts also offer unique roles, such as patient transport or Community First Responder. Many hospitals require a minimum time commitment, and some may have age restrictions or parental consent requirements for applicants under 18. With a range of options available, volunteering in a hospital can be a fulfilling way to contribute to the NHS and make a positive impact on patients, their families, and staff.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time commitment | Volunteers are asked to give at least three hours a week for at least six months |
| Age requirement | Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, some roles require volunteers to be 18 or 21 |
| Location | Applicants must live locally to the hospitals |
| Roles | Ward and department volunteers, administrative support, fundraising, patient participation groups, buggy drivers, emergency department volunteers, meet and greet volunteers, patient transport, home from hospital volunteers, etc. |
| Benefits | Develop skills, gain experience, meet new people, make friends, enhance UCAS applications, etc. |
| Application process | Online or paper application form, informal meeting, identity verification, references, occupational health check, Disclosure and Barring Service check, induction session |
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What You'll Learn
Types of hospital volunteering roles
Volunteering in hospitals is a great way to gain experience, develop skills, and give back to the community. There are over 300 types of volunteer roles in the NHS, catering to people of all ages and backgrounds. Here are some of the common types of hospital volunteering roles:
Administrative Support:
Volunteers can assist with administrative tasks such as answering phones, filing, data entry, and helping with fundraising activities. These roles are crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of hospitals and can often be done behind the scenes if preferred.
Patient Support:
Volunteers can provide emotional and practical support to patients and their families. This may include welcoming and meeting patients, offering friendly conversation, reading together, playing games, or simply being a listening ear. Volunteers can also assist with nutrition and hydration, encouraging patients to eat and improving their overall hospital experience.
Transport Services:
Volunteers can help with patient transport, driving them to and from the hospital or between different departments. This can include using your own car, an electric buggy, or even providing wheelchair assistance. Volunteers ensure patients arrive safely and comfortably to their appointments, improving their overall hospital experience.
Emergency Department Support:
Volunteers can provide much-needed assistance in busy emergency departments. This may include offering practical and emotional support to patients and their families, helping with non-clinical tasks such as food and beverage rounds, restocking areas, and keeping patients company during challenging times.
Community Engagement:
Volunteers can engage with the local community in various ways. This could involve running a hospital radio show, organising fundraising events, participating in advisory groups, or even garden makeovers to improve the hospital environment. Volunteers are often the face of the hospital in the community, spreading positivity and awareness.
Each hospital will have its own specific volunteering options, and it's important to consider the time commitment and availability required for each role. Many hospitals require a regular weekly commitment, and some may have specific age requirements for certain roles. It's always a good idea to reach out to the hospital or volunteering organisation directly to learn more about the application process and available opportunities.
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Application and interview process
Volunteering in a hospital can be a rewarding experience and there are many options to choose from in the UK. The application and interview process for hospital volunteering roles may vary depending on the organisation and the type of role you are applying for. Here is a general overview of what you can expect:
Application
Many hospitals in the UK, especially those under the National Health Service (NHS), allow you to apply for volunteering roles through their websites. You will be required to fill out an application form, which may ask for personal details, your availability, and your reasons for wanting to volunteer. Take your time filling out the form, as this will be the first impression you give to the organisation. Be honest and highlight any relevant skills, experiences, or interests that align with the role. Some hospitals may also require you to submit additional documentation, such as references or a CV.
Interview
After submitting your application, you may be invited for an interview. Interviews for hospital volunteering roles are typically informal and conversational. They aim to assess your suitability for the role, your personality, and your motivation for volunteering. Interviews may be conducted by a panel, which could include a volunteer coordinator, hospital staff members, or representatives from the team you would be working with. During the interview, you may be asked a range of questions, including:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to volunteer at our hospital?
- What are your hobbies and interests?
- How do you apply your skills and experiences to support others?
- Can you provide an example of when you showed care and compassion?
- Are you proficient with administrative tasks or technical applications?
- How do you approach interacting with visitors in a hospital setting?
Checks and Training
Following a successful interview, there may be additional steps before you can start your volunteering role. These can include background checks, such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, especially for roles involving vulnerable individuals. You may also need to complete mandatory training, such as health and safety training, before commencing your volunteering duties. The entire recruitment process, from application to starting your role, can vary in duration depending on the organisation and the completion of necessary checks.
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Training and induction
Volunteering in a hospital is a great way to gain experience, develop skills, and give back to the community. Hospitals in the UK offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities, and each organisation typically has a dedicated Volunteer Service Manager who coordinates these programmes. Before starting your placement, you will need to undergo training and induction to prepare you for your role and the hospital environment.
At the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, new volunteers are required to attend an induction session that covers all the mandatory Trust training. This session is usually held in a group setting over one day and serves as an introduction to the hospital environment and the boundaries between staff and volunteer roles. It is also an opportunity to meet and connect with other new volunteers. Some specialist volunteer roles may require additional training, such as wheelchair safety, nutrition and feeding, dementia awareness, and therapeutic massage.
Great Ormond Street Hospital, which offers over 40 different volunteering roles, ensures that their volunteers are well-placed, inducted, trained, and supported throughout their time at the hospital. This includes providing volunteers with instructions and supplies for crafting projects like origami, flower making, paracord keychains, and card making.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) offers a Volunteer to Career (VtC) Programme, which allows volunteers to explore careers in healthcare while contributing to the organisation. They also work with Helpforce, a national charity focused on expanding volunteering in the NHS, and the local Armed Forces network to create pathways for retired veterans and their families to volunteer in clinical and non-clinical roles.
Most hospitals will require a minimum time commitment for their volunteers. For example, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust asks for at least three hours a week for a minimum of six months. They also specify that volunteers must be at least 21 years old to work in the Emergency Department.
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Time commitment
The time commitment for volunteering in a hospital in the UK can vary depending on the role and the organisation. Some hospitals may require a minimum time commitment, while others may be more flexible. It's important to consider the amount of time you can realistically dedicate to volunteering and choose a role that aligns with your availability.
For example, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust asks for a minimum of three hours per week for at least six months. They also mention that there are more opportunities for volunteering during their quieter periods between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, as opposed to evenings and weekends. They do not offer short-term volunteering opportunities during the summer.
Great Ormond Street Hospital has a large team of over 1,000 volunteers who collectively contribute more than 3,500 hours of their time each week. This equates to an average of around three and a half hours per volunteer per week. The hospital offers various roles, including patient interactions, practical and emotional support, and therapeutic massages for parents in intensive care units.
Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) offers a volunteer driver service that operates Monday to Friday. Volunteers can use their own cars or a hospital-provided vehicle. This role involves transporting patients and visitors within the hospital campus. SaTH also offers a Telephone Support Volunteer role, where volunteers provide reassurance and support to patients after their discharge from the hospital.
Some hospitals may offer flexible volunteering opportunities that can be tailored to your availability. For instance, the Royal Voluntary Service seeks volunteers for its shops and cafes in hospitals across England, Scotland, and Wales. These roles may require a smaller time commitment, such as volunteering a few hours a week or on an as-needed basis.
It's important to note that certain roles may require additional training, which can add to the overall time commitment. For example, at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, volunteers are required to attend an induction session before starting their placements. Some specialist roles may also need extra training, such as wheelchair safety, nutrition and feeding, and dementia awareness.
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Benefits of volunteering
Volunteering in a hospital in the UK can be a rewarding experience that offers several benefits. Here are some advantages to consider:
Sense of Accomplishment and Community Impact
Volunteering in a hospital setting allows you to work for the benefit of others and make a positive impact on your community. This sense of contributing to the greater good can give you a natural sense of accomplishment and enhance your mental well-being. Research has shown that those who engage in volunteering regularly experience higher levels of mental well-being than those who don't.
Personal Growth and Skill Development
Hospital volunteering provides an opportunity for personal growth and skill enhancement. You can develop essential workplace skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, task management, and organisation. These transferable skills can be beneficial for future education, career prospects, and personal development. Volunteering is especially beneficial for young people exploring career paths, as it allows them to gain hands-on experience and decide their further education and career options.
Social Interaction and Networking
Volunteering in a hospital setting allows you to meet new people and strengthen your ties to the community. It can help you improve your social skills and build a support network. Additionally, volunteering in a hospital provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for helping others. You can form lasting friendships and even network with professionals in the healthcare field, potentially gaining mentorship from experienced healthcare workers.
Physical Activity and Wellbeing
Volunteering in a hospital can be physically engaging, keeping you active and improving your physical health. Volunteers tend to walk more and be more physically active, which can help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and promote a healthy heart.
Gratitude and Giving Back
Volunteering is also a way to give back to society and express gratitude for the blessings in your life. It allows you to 'pay it forward' and make a meaningful impact on those around you. Many volunteers find it rewarding to contribute their time and skills to a cause they believe in, enhancing their sense of fulfilment and life satisfaction.
Volunteering in a hospital in the UK offers a range of benefits, from personal growth and skill development to community impact and improved well-being. It is a rewarding experience that can make a positive difference in your life and the lives of those you assist.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find volunteering opportunities in your local area on the Volunteering Matters website. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) also has a webpage with everything you need to get started. Each hospital is likely to have a choice of volunteering options, coordinated by a Volunteer Service Manager.
There are more than 300 types of roles in the NHS, providing challenging and rewarding opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Some examples include:
- Meet and greet volunteers
- Emergency Department Volunteers
- Patient transport volunteers
- Fundraising
- Administrative support
- Running a hospital radio show
- Taking part in advisory groups
Most hospitals require a minimum time commitment of three hours a week for at least six months. Some hospitals require volunteers to be at least 16 or 18 years old, and parental consent is needed for applicants under 18. You will also need to have the right to work in the UK. Before starting their placements, volunteers are typically required to attend an induction session that covers all mandatory Trust training.
