Kettering General Hospital Response Volunteer

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Kettering; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused health service seeks volunteers to assist various departments, performing tasks such as delivering notes and medication, providing a meet and greet service, and guiding patients. Applicants should be available for 4 hours each week, ideally on the same day. The role is unpaid and promotes an inclusive environment for applicants from all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Available for 4 hours per week during AM or PM shifts.
• Must maintain confidentiality regarding patients.
• Ability to communicate professionally over radios.

Responsibilities

• Collect and deliver notes, swabs, and medication.
• Assist with patient video calls on wards.
• Support wellbeing rounds and offer drinks to patients.
• Guide patients and visitors around the hospital.

Job description

Overview

The role is reactive to the needs of the hospital and will involve working across various departments. You will be advised daily as to what tasks you will be required to undertake but could involve running errands for departments, doing wellbeing rounds around the Trust, directing people at the welcome desks and carrying out Meet and Greets. Volunteers cannot replace the role of a paid employee, and this is not a work placement.

We are part of a large hospital group, University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, and emphasise our Excellence Values: Compassion, Respect, Integrity, Courageous, and Accountable. We value inclusive recruitment and encourage applications from 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 groups are underrepresented in our hospitals. We work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds to create an inclusive and collaborative environment.

We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds to ensure everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Responsibilities

• Collecting and delivering notes, swabs, medication, and equipment; running errands from various departments / wards
• Providing a courtesy Meet & Greet service (wheelchair training required)
• Assisting with patient / family video calls on wards
• Operating a library service to wards
• Visiting / chatting to patients who may not have visitors on wards
• Providing support within A&E and Pharmacy departments (over 18s only with full training)
• Supporting wellbeing rounds and offering drinks to patients
• Covering desks and welcoming patients and visitors, with clear, accurate directions
• Undertaking patient / staff surveys to collect data to understand experiences
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding patients and their property
• Guiding people around the hospital and proactively assisting anyone who may be lost or need help
• Taking the Brew Buddy to support staff wellbeing
• Communicating over radios professionally and not discussing patients over the radio

Patient & Staff Safety, Equality & DBS

• Safeguarding is a priority for KGH and a key value for all staff
• Volunteering is unpaid; sponsorship is not available
• Applicants from all backgrounds are welcomed; reasonable adjustments can be requested during the application process
• From 1 February 2019, new starters are required to join the DBS update service (annual cost) and DBS checks may be required
• DBS check cost (£49.50) may be reclaimed from the first salary if applicable
• A six-month probationary period applies for new starters
• Quality and accuracy of information provided on the application is essential; misrepresentation may affect offers

Requirements & Details

• 4 hours per week; AM shift 8:30–12:30 or PM shift 12:30–16:30
• Ideally the same day each week
• Other recruitment process details are managed through the TRAC system and related communications

How to Apply

Please note that volunteering is an unpaid role and cannot offer sponsorship. If you require reasonable adjustments to make your application, contact the team at 01536 491589 to book an appointment. Applications will be handled in line with equal opportunities policies.