Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust welcomes volunteers to complement the work carried out by paid staff. There are currently around 600 volunteers helping throughout the hospital but there is always room for more. If you are considering a career in the NHS volunteering is a great way to help you decide. Anyone over the age of 16 who are able to help on a regular basis for at least six months can apply. Here are some of the areas where volunteers can be found:
Ward Visitors
If you like talking to people (and listening), running errands, helping at mealtimes, letter writing, making beds, then ward visiting could be for you. Volunteers attend the same ward once a week and become part of the ward team. If you are studying or working during the week, weekend visiting is also available.
Ward Visiting Team
These volunteers visit several wards each time they come in. Their role is to chat and listen to patients, offer shopping and run errands. The team meets each weekday morning and is a good opportunity to get to know other volunteers.
Hospital Guides
If you enjoy walking and talking then showing people around the hospital could be for you. Based at the reception desk, Hospital Guides are always kept on their toes!
In Clinics
Befriending patients waiting for appointments and helping to keep things running smoothly are just two of the tasks undertaken by a clinic volunteer.
Hospital Radio
Volunteers can be found presenting shows, helping with administration, behind the scenes or fundraising. Why not listen first on 87.7fm in the Plymouth area.
League of Friends
The League of Friends has two fruit and flower shops and a second hand bookshop (all open seven days a week) at Derriford Hospital. Volunteers attend a 2-3 hour shift, usually once a week. Committee membership and fundraising are also areas where help is needed.
Click the League of Friends link on the left to find out more.
WRVS
Runs four coffee bars in the hospital and volunteers are welcomed to help serve drinks and light refreshments.
St John Ambulance Recreational Library
The Library trolley service offers patients a choice of books to borrow while they are in hospital, while the library itself is open to both patients and staff.
Department of Pastoral/Spiritual Care
Volunteers can help in the chapel in a number of different ways, ranging from administration, pastoral ward visiting, assisting patients to the chapel services on Sunday, as part of a church team. Volunteers are also welcome to provide and arrange flowers, on a rota, for the chapel itself.
Mustard Tree/Macmillan Centre
This Day Centre for cancer patients and their relatives gives volunteers the opportunity to befriend visitors and offer general help. Complementary therapies such as massage and reflexology are also offered by volunteers with appropriate qualifications.
How do I become a volunteer?
Please contact Elizabeth Pollard, Voluntary Services Manager, Level 5, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth PL6 8DH. Telephone: 0845 155 8219 or by email via the Contact Us form.
The Application Process
The Application Process (re-worded)
This may vary slightly depending on the type of volunteering you wish to do. However, all volunteers will need to complete an application form, health questionnaire and a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) form, which must be cleared prior to starting volunteering. You will then be invited to meet the volunteer co-ordinator who is responsible for the area in which you have expressed an interest.
To become a volunteer you will need to be reasonably fit and active, friendly, a good listener and committed to your voluntary role. In return you will find helping in your local hospital a very rewarding experience!