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.
For further information about volunteering please contact Elizabeth.pollard@nhs.net
Anyone over the age of 16 who is 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.
Patient Surveys
We are keen to know what patients think about their stay in hospital and have a team of volunteers who visit the wards to find out. Either using a paper survey or an iPad (training is provided and it’s really not complicated) volunteers seek patients’ views to help us improve our services or let us know what we are doing well!
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!
Outpatient Clinics
We are actively seeking additional volunteers for our busy outpatients areas to meet and greet visitors and patients, help them to book in and find their way to their clinic. This is a varied and interesting role
Ambulatory Emergency Care
Get lost? Not in this role! The Ambulatory Emergency Care (ACE) team, is looking for volunteers to help escort patients from the unit on level 6, to areas within the hospital where they require tests or investigations – directions will be given - or to the main entrance when they are discharged. (No wheelchair pushing involved). This varied role will also involve chatting to waiting patients and helping with refreshments.
Hospital Radio
Volunteers can be found presenting shows, helping with administration, behind the scenes or fundraising for this award-winning station. Why not listen first on 87.7fm in the Plymouth area.
League of Friends
The League of Friends has a fruit and flower shop and a second hand bookshop (both 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. Minimum age is 18 for shop volunteering.
Click the League of Friends link on the left to find out more.
WRVS 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 on Mondays and Thursdays. Volunteers visit the wards with the trolley and are on-hand in the Library when it is open.
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 and insurance.
How do I become a volunteer?
Please contact Elizabeth Pollard, Volunteer Co-ordinator Level 5, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth PL6 8DH. Telephone: 0845 155 8219 or by email via the Contact Us form.
The Application Process
This may vary slightly depending on the type of volunteering you wish to do. However, all volunteers need complete an application form and a health questionnaire, some roles also require a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check 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 should 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!