We are always looking for the right people, those who are friendly, passionate, empathetic and respectful. They are people who celebrate the richness and uniqueness of our diverse community, staff and volunteers. We are committed to ensuring that no individual or group is disadvantaged or excluded from playing an active part in our organisation because of their ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexuality, religion, age, class or geographical location. They are people who have a natural positive disposition, reliable and committed. They wear our volunteer uniform with PRIDE (passion, responsibility, innovation, drive and empowerment) beaming with compassion and enthusiasm.

The role of a volunteer is a unique one, activities complement the care and support given by staff, and they do not replace staff or mitigate staff shortages. Whilst volunteers are not staff, they are part of the BHRUT family. Volunteers will not assist with anything of a medical nursing nature, read patients’ medical files or share this information, assist with cleaning or repair any item of equipment.

As a volunteer you are in a position of trust this should never be abused or used to advantage
yourself or disadvantage a patient.

WE NEED PEOPLE WHO PROVIDE US WITH FEEDBACK, IT IS HOW WE IMPROVE

• Listening and chatting with patients regarding their experience whilst in hospital

• Provide suitable, unimposing interaction with patients and encourage that patients provide feedback

• Support our commitment to the Friends and Family Test (FFT) in obtaining feedback and learning from what our patients say about us

• Support patients with reading, writing and recording their reply to specific questions, either in writing or via an electronic patient experience tracker (PET) tablet.

• Spending time with patients without pre-empting or coercing their decisions and feedback

• Provide information on improvements made because of patient’s feedback

• Liaise and share any advice to the manager within that area or the Patient Experience Team

• Any other non-professional task as requested by the senior staff or managers in relation to patient experience and feedback.

• Collect completed surveys from various locations at both Queen’s and King George hospital, and upload responses onto an online application (with training).

Would suit:

Someone who is outgoing and a people person, excellent communication a must. Patience
and empathy are essential qualities.

Commitment:

Usually one morning, afternoon or evening per week.

Role description

The role of a volunteer is a unique one.

Volunteers are not here to replace staff, but to provide activities complimenting the care and support given to our patients. Volunteers are part of the BHRUT Family.

Chaplaincy volunteers are approved by their faith community to provide pastoral, spiritual or religious support. All volunteers receive specific chaplaincy training, along with monthly supervision and regular opportunities for debriefing and reflection.

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Main tasks of our Chaplaincy Volunteers

• Understanding what is important to people and help them find meaning and hope during difficult times

• Offering companionship and a listening ear

• Support patient's right to practice their faith or belief in a sensitive and dignified way

• Responding to patient-led requests for prayer and religious support

• Allow patients the opportunity to share concerns and worries and receive support and compassion

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This role would suit someone with:

• Good communication and listening skills

• Empathy, patience, and a friendly demeanor

• Reliability and a willingness to commit to a regular schedule

• Calm and compassionate

• A reference from their faith community leader

Role description

The role of a volunteer is a unique one; activities complement the care and support given by staff, and they do not replace staff or mitigate staff shortages.

Whilst volunteers are not paid staff, they are part of the BHRUT family.

Daisy Volunteers work closely with the Chaplaincy Team, ward staff, and the End of Life and Palliative Care Teams to provide a holistic and compassionate approach to supporting patients at the end of life.

All volunteers receive specific training, along with monthly supervision and regular opportunities for debriefing and reflection.

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Main tasks of our Daisy Volunteers are:

• Provide companionship and emotional support to patients in the final hours or days of life.

• Offer emotional support to relatives and carers during this difficult time.

• Arrange and facilitate video calls with loved ones, helping patients stay connected.

• Give families the opportunity for respite—allowing them time to rest, refresh, and eat.

• Help create a calm, compassionate, and supportive hospital environment at the end of a patient’s life.

• Signpost to additional support and resources

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This role would suit someone with:

• Good communication and listening skills

• Empathy, patience, and a friendly demeanor

• Reliability and a willingness to commit to a regular schedule

• Calmness and compassion

Role description

The role of a volunteer is a unique one: activities compliment the care and support given by staff, and they do not replace staff or mitigate staff shortages. Whilst volunteers are not paid staff, they are part of the BHRUT family.

Emergency Dept Chaplaincy Volunteers work closely with the Chaplaincy Team and ED ward staff, patients, families and visitors to provide essential emotional compassionate support within our highly pressured ED departments.

They will not assist with anything of a medical nature, read patients’ medical files or share this information, assist with cleaning, changing bedding or repair any item of equipment.

All ED volunteers receive specific training, along with monthly supervision and regular opportunities for debriefing and reflection.

Main tasks of our Chaplaincy Emergency Dept. Volunteers

• To engage with staff, patients, families and visitors offering compassionate and supportive care in the busy triage, rafting, majors’ areas as well as staff rooms.

• To provide emotional support to staff relatives and families/carers/visitors during their time in ED.

• Signpost to additional support and resources.

• To help create a calm, compassionate and supportive hospital environment for all staff within some of the busiest areas of the hospital.

This role would suit someone who has:

• Strong communication and listening skills

• Empathy, patience, and a warm, approachable manner

• The ability to remain calm and grounded in busy, emotionally intense settings

• Reliability and commitment to a regular volunteering schedule

• A willingness to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team

 

Tasks

• playing games with patients (cards etc.)
• have a conversation with patients,
• sitting with patients who have no visits to help combat loneliness
• reassure nervous patients by keeping them company
• assist with the supervision of children as required due to patient’s treatment.
• help patients during mealtimes, issuing hand wipes, serving refreshments and replenishing water jugs
• encouraging our patients to eat and support feeding, when trained and clinically safe to do so.
• Emergency Friends meet and greet patients in the triage/ waiting room area ensuring they are seated in the right waiting area
• escort mobile patients to other parts of the hospital, as directed by senior staff
• advising/ assisting patients and relatives of other services offered by the hospital
• ensure patients know where facilities are located
• help patients contact their relatives using an iPad.

Role description

The role of a volunteer is a unique one; activities complement the care and support given by staff, and they do not replace staff or mitigate staff shortages.

Whilst volunteers are not paid staff, they are part of the BHRUT family.

FFT Champions will not assist with anything of a medical or nursing nature, read patients’ medical files or share this information, assist with cleaning, changing bedding or repair any item of equipment.

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Main tasks of our FFT Champions are:

• Support the Friends and Family Test (FFT) initiative by helping gather valuable patient feedback and insights.

• Provide friendly, non-intrusive interaction, encouraging patients to share honest feedback.

• Engage with patients by speaking and listening to them about their hospital experience in a respectful and supportive manner.

• Spend quality time with patients without influencing or steering their opinions or feedback.

• Assist patients with reading, writing, or recording their responses.

• Collect completed surveys from various areas across both Queen’s Hospital and King George Hospital.

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This role would suit someone who:

• Outgoing and approachable with excellent communication skills.

• Displays patience, empathy, and genuine interest in patient wellbeing.

• Is Passionate about enhancing patient experience and being a positive presence within the hospital environment.

Role description

The role of a volunteer is a unique one.

Volunteers are not here to replace staff, but to provide activities complimenting the care and support given to our patients. Volunteers are part of the BHRUT Family.

Our Mealtime Assistants support the ward in distributing meals and drinks, ensuring each patient receives the correct meal.

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The main tasks of our Mealtime Assistants are:

• Preparing the patient’s table by ensuring it is clean and free from clutter

• Assist patients to sit comfortably and safely for their meal (please note volunteers are not permitted to lift patients — seek assistance from the healthcare team if needed)

• Refresh water jugs as required

• Support patients with opening packets, removing lids, setting out cutlery and utensils, and ensuring they have access to any necessary items such as false teeth or hand wipes

• After meals, volunteers assist with clearing away used crockery and cutlery, maintaining cleanliness in the patient’s area, and upholding high standards of personal and food hygiene

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Importantly, much of the role focuses on helping patients maintain dignity and independence during mealtimes, ensuring they have what they need to eat comfortably and safely.

It is essential that all Mealtime Assistant Volunteers must complete the required training before engaging in direct feeding.

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This role would suit someone with:

• Friendly, patient, and respectful attitude

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Reliable and punctual

Role description

The role of a volunteer is a unique one; activities complement the care and support given by staff, and they do not replace staff or mitigate staff shortages.

Whilst volunteers are not paid staff, they are part of the BHRUT family.

To support patients and visitors attending outpatient appointments by providing a welcoming presence, offering assistance and helping improve their overall experience.

Outpatient Befrienders will not assist with anything of a medical or nursing nature, read patients’ medical files or share this information, assist with cleaning, changing bedding or repair any item of equipment.

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The main tasks of our Outpatient Befrienders:

• Welcome and guide patients in waiting areas.

• Escort patients and visitors to the relevant departments within the hospital, following instruction by senior staff.

• Spend quality time with patients by listening, engaging in friendly conversations, and offering companionship.

• Provide assistance to patients to complete their Friends and Family Test (FFT) survey.

• Advise on potential delays following instruction from clinical staff.

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This role would suit someone with:

• Outgoing and willing to start new conversations.

• Good communication and listening skills.

• Empathy, patience, and a friendly demeanor.

Role description

The role of a volunteer is a unique one; activities complement the care and support given by staff, and they do not replace staff or mitigate staff shortages.

Whilst volunteers are not paid staff, they are part of the BHRUT family.

Important: Ward Befrienders must not:

• Assist with anything of a medical or nursing nature

• Read patients’ medical files or share this information

• Assist with cleaning, changing bedding, or repairing any item of equipment

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The main tasks of our Ward Befrienders: 

• Help patients find their way around the ward, locate items, or run errands for both patients and staff

• Spend time with patients, provide a listening ear, and engage in friendly conversations to help combat loneliness and boredom

• Help patients connect with relatives, friends, or other support services

• Assist patients during mealtimes by setting up tables and ensuring they have what they need to enjoy their meals

• Help patients participate in activities like playing games, reading, or using technology to connect with loved ones

• Notify ward staff of any changes in a patient's condition or needs

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This role would suit someone with:

• Good communication and listening skills

• Empathy, patience, and a friendly demeanor

• Reliability and a willingness to commit to a regular schedule

• Ability to work as part of a team

Role description

The role of a volunteer is a unique one. Volunteers are not here to replace staff, but to provide activities complimenting the care and support given to our patients. Volunteers are part of the BHRUT Family.

Wayfinder Volunteers are our friendly face and often the first person from the Trust a visitor will meet. It is important to make a patient or visitor feel at ease by welcoming, directing, or escorting them to their location.

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The main tasks of a Wayfinder:

• Greeting patients and visitors at the main entrances, entrances/exits to wards or departments

• Escort patients and visitors to departments, providing assistance where needed

• Signpost and provide information on departments and services

• Provide assistance to the information desks

• Assist the Discharge Lounge by making hot beverages for patients awaiting transport (Queen’s Hospital)

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This role would suit someone who is:

• Empathetic, patient, with a friendly demeanor

• Physically fit and active; much of this role is about supporting people who may require escorting, therefore this role entails a lot of standing around.