Volunteer - Northampton General Hospital (Volunteer Unpaid) - Voluntary - Northampton General H[...]

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust; England; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking hospital as a volunteer and make a meaningful impact in your community. This role offers the chance to support patients and visitors, engage with diverse individuals, and gain valuable experience in a healthcare setting. As a volunteer, you'll be part of a dedicated team, helping to ensure that every patient feels welcomed and supported. With flexible hours and various roles available, this is a perfect opportunity for anyone looking to give back and learn new skills in a compassionate environment.

Qualifications

• No specific qualifications required; relevant qualifications should be detailed.
• Experience assisting the public is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist patients and visitors, providing directions and information.
• Support patients with video calls and run errands for various departments.
• Engage with patients to provide companionship and support.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Attention to Detail

Job description

Volunteer - Northampton General Hospital

Main area Voluntary Grade Volunteer Unpaid Contract Voluntary Hours Flexible working - 4 hours per week Job ref 265-7184517

Site Northampton General Hospital Town Northampton Salary Volunteer Role Closing 20/05/2025 23:59 Interview date 27/05/2025

Additional working pattern details

Monday – Friday 08.30 – 16.30

Contract type

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)

· Ward Buddy (Mon-Fri 08.30– 16.30)

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.

Working for our organisation

Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values

Compassion

Accountability

Respect

Integrity

Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone’s full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.

We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.

The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.

We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.

Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close any adverts before the closing date once we have received sufficient applications.

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

· 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

Person specification

Education, Training and Qualifications

• No specific qualifications are required for this role, although any relevant qualifications should be detailed on the application.

Knowledge and Experience

• Show empathy and compassion towards others and treat people with dignity and respect
• Experience assisting the public
• Ability to complete forms in a comprehensive manner

Skills

• Ability to communicate in a calm and professional manner
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Good interpersonal skills

Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes

• Recognise when appropriate to seek support from others
• Reliable, honest, and punctual
• Ability to exercise confidentiality and discretion
• Ability to work on own initiative

At Northampton General Hospital we provide general acute services and hyper-acute stroke, vascular and renal services to people living in Northamptonshire. As well as this we are an accredited cancer centre and provide cancer services to a wider population of Northamptonshire and parts of Buckinghamshire.

We are proud to be the first hospital in the UK to have obtained Pathway to Excellence designated accreditation from the American nurses credentialing centre (ANCC).

We celebrate staff achievements and value the importance of working as one big team. That’s why we talk about Team NGH. It’s all about working together to provide the best possible care for our patients and supporting each other to grow and develop our skills. We are driven to helping you to be the best you can be.

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone’s full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative. We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds.This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Apply today and join the largest family in Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values:

• Compassion
• Respect
• Integrity
• Courageous
• Accountable

To apply for this post, scroll down to the bottom of this page and select “apply online now”.

In submitting an application form, you authorise Northampton General Hospital to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Electronic Staff Record Inter Authority Transfer process should you be appointed to the post.

Due to the high number of applications received we are unable to respond to each application individually. If you have not been contacted within 4 weeks of the closing date you have been unsuccessful in this application.

For further information on nursing, apprenticeships, A&E or any other departments please visit our specific website or pages that are indicated on the right hand side of this advert.

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust recognises that staff of differing backgrounds and life experiences enrich our workforce and bring different skills and knowledge. We therefore encourage and welcome applications for our vacancies from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CLOSE VACANCIES PRIOR TO THE ADVERTISED CLOSING DATE WHEN WE ARE IN RECEIPT OF SUFFICIENT APPLICATIONS

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.