"The volunteer's on this ward are a valued part of the support staff team. They have built relationships with both patients and visitors and often receive small gifts of gratitude from patients. They give their precious time, they are conscientious in their work and it is much appreciated by the ward, the patients and especially the housekeeping team." Diane, Housekeeper, Ward 36, NCCC.

The Newcastle Hospitals Trust values the involvement of local people as volunteers in activities that enhance the patient, visitor and carer experience, and also support staff in delivering high quality health care.

Your offer of voluntary help is very much appreciated, and you will receive a warm welcome no matter which area of volunteering you choose. 

Without our volunteers, we wouldn't be able to deliver the 'outstanding' care and service that we do today.

#IWILL YOUTH CAMPAIGN

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust has made a pledge to the #Iwill campaign, that it will give young people living within our communities the opportunity to take part in volunteering within our hospitals. We do this by working with local schools and colleges to increase accessibility, particularly for underprivileged young people, and to place students in volunteer roles which will enable them to grow in confidence and ambition. For more information visit #Iwill Campaign

Community Cardiac Rehabilitation - Volunteer Drivers

*See below to apply to become a Volunteer Driver

During the first few weeks after Patients come home from hospital, they are invited to take part in-group sessions at local community settings that include exercise, relaxation and healthy lifestyle advice. Volunteers provide this valuable home-to-home transport service to enable patients unable to drive, to attend the Community Cardiac Rehabilitation classes.  

Peters Story...

Following my retirement from regular employment I found myself subject to what all retirees must face - a lack of organisation in my life and very little human interaction. I had always been of a mind that giving back to the community would be a part of my later life and find the opportunity with CCRS fit the bill perfectly.

The induction and training were thorough and the personnel very welcoming and supportive aand it feels good to be part of a team again.

Now the best part, the patients. It has been a real eye opener to learn about the demographics of cardiac patients and heart warming and enlightening to hear their stories. Although we spend a relatively small amount of time together it is certainly true that relationships develop and it is both rewarding and sad to see them complete their course.

This has been one career move I do not regret!

Splish, Splash, Bounce Group

There are currently no vacancies for this role.

Splish, Splash, Bounce Group is specifically designed for pre-school children with additional needs. It is a joint group run between Physiotherapy and Early Education Additional Support Team (EEAST).  Our Volunteers work alongside Physiotherapists and parents, offering an additional pair of hands to ensure that the group runs smoothly and effectively.

Nicola's Story...

I have been volunteering at Splish, Splash Bounce for over a year now and I love it! I have a daughter who has special education needs and disabilities and when she was younger, we attended Splish, Splash Bounce and we both loved it! Now, I am fortunate enough to still be part of this through volunteering. As Splish Splash Bounce helped so much with my daughter’s progress, this led me to completing the rebound therapy training myself.

I help the physiotherapist’s with supporting the children on the trampolines, I have taken lead myself on the trampoline and carried out the sessions with the children. We sing nursery rhymes while incorporating Makaton signing and this is amazing when we see the children have learned signing through singing and playing. When we are in the hydrotherapy pool, I support on the side as a spotter. I will also help set up the toys ready for play time as the children love to have a splash and play before their pool session is over.

What I love about Splish, Splash Bounce is seeing the progress that the children make during their time attending the group, they thrive and achieve so much. The children know exactly what is happening and coming next from sitting on the carpet and singing the ‘hello song’, playtime, bouncing and swimming in the pool – It is so much fun!

Activity & Mobility Support Volunteer

Various elderly & orthopaedic wards across the Freeman Hospital

Based on Elderly and Orthopaedic wards, volunteers will support patients who are medically fit for discharge but not yet able to leave hospital, to maintain existing levels of mobility by encouraging patients to go for walks or engage in chair-based activity or exercise, including games and activities to promote mental stimulation and enhance mood.

The purpose of the volunteer role is to help patients to maintain their normal level of mobility whilst in hospital, and to help prevent deterioration resulting from immobility. Volunteers will also engage patients in bedside games and activities to promote mental stimulation including and enhance mood.

All duties will be overseen by nursing or therapy staff but will never include clinical tasks or personal care. 

Description of main tasks specific to the placement: 

• Supporting staff to get patients up and ready for the day
• Encouraging appropriate patients to engage in movement and mobility.
• Encourage and facilitate appropriate patients to engage in chair and bed exercise sessions.
• Engage identified patients in activities (1:1 and Group activities)
• Supporting therapy staff with group activities on ward
• Supporting with ward tasks to support discharge- e.g. collections from pharmacy
• Enabling patients to engage in hobbies (reading, discussions, word searches/crosswords)
• Supporting identified patients to go off ward or outside
• Collecting feedback forms from patients prior to discharge

Applicants will need good listening and communication skills with the ability to chat confidently with patients and when necessary, put them at their ease.  You will be supported by a member of the Physiotherapy team and so this role would also suit anyone interested in gaining experience for a career in Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy.

Available shifts:

• Mondays: 10:00-12:00 or 14:00-16:00
• Tuesdays:  10:00-12:00 or 14:00-16:00
• Wednesdays:  10:00-12:00 or 14:00-16:00
• Thursdays: 10:00-12:00 or 14:00-16:00
• Fridays:  10:00-12:00 or 14:00-16:00

Meet and Greet Volunteers

Newcastle Birthing Centre, RVI

Over 18 only

We are looking to recruit a number of friendly and approachable people to Meet and Greet patients and visitors arriving at the Newcastle Birthing Centre.

This role will require the volunteer to provide a friendly and helpful first point of contact for people visiting our Maternity Unit and preventing tailgaters gaining unauthorised access to the unit.

Description of main tasks specific to the placement: 

• Provide a welcoming and friendly Meet and Greet service to patients, visitors and general public at the main entrance to the birthing centre.
• To provide directions to wards/departments and if required, escorting patients & visitors to their destinations.
• To offer additional support to visitors with mobility problems by calling porters for a wheelchair service
• Assisting in keeping mothers and their baby’s safe by prevent visitors tailgating and gaining access to maternity ward areas.
• Wishing parents well when leaving with their new born babies.

Available shifts:

Monday to Sunday

• 10am until 1pm
• 1pm until 4:30pm
• 4:30pm until 8pm

Volunteer Patient Drivers

RVI/Freeman Hospital/Community Settings

Purpose of the role:

As a Volunteer Patient Driver you will be helping people in your local community access non emergency but vital medical appointments at the RVI, Freeman Hospital or one of our Community setting. You will make sure that patients arrive in a relaxed and friendly manner and taking them back to their home address after their appointment.

All fuel costs and additional expenses are refunded.

To become a volunteer driver, you will need to:

• Hold a valid, full UK driving licence with no more than six penalty points
• Have access to a car with a minimum of four doors
• Have fully comprehensive insurance
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (funded by the Trust)
• Undertake a Driver Health Assessment (funded by the Trust)
• Take part in our on-line volunteer induction training programme

Minimum commitment = 1 x 4 hour shift per week

Various shifts available :  Monday to Friday between 8:30am & 12pm or 1:00pm & 4:30pm

Pets as Therapy Dogs

Various wards across the RVI & Freeman Hospitals

We are looking to grow our valuable and dedicated team of Pets as Therapy Volunteers who provide essential emotional support, and comfort to patients across our services.

Under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist, the PAT Dog volunteers also engage in purposeful activities to support rehabilitation and improve general wellbeing of adults and children. 

All of our dogs have passed a temperament assessment to ensure that they are they are calm, friendly, are not affected by sudden noises, and they love to be fussed by adults and children.  As a volunteer you will be to complete our pre-engagement checks and online training.

If you are registered with Pets as Therapy:  Please email nuth.volunteer-recruitment@nhs.net to speak to a member of the Volunteer Services Team.

If you would like to register  as you think that your dog has the necessary attributes to become a Pets as Therapy dog, please click on "more information" to find out how to apply.

Requirement:

Commitment to 2 hours per week

Mealtime Support Volunteer

Freeman Hospital & RVI

Volunteers must be aged 18+

The Purpose of the Role

To support staff in ensuring that patients receive nutrition in a timely and comfortable way. Volunteers will assist with opening packages, and will engage in conversations and will provide encouragement to eat.

Duties include:

• Take direction from staff as to which patients require assistance
• Helping patients to choose meals and fill out order cards
• Offering support to serve meals, refreshments and snacks
• Offering support or prompting patients to eat, helping to ensure food is cut up, packets opened and easily reached.
• Keep patient water jugs filled and provide tea and coffee
• Make staff aware immediately if a patient has any clinical concerns

Available Shifts:

Weekend and Weekday meal times: 11:30 - 13:30 or 16:30-18:30

Ward 35 Support Volunteer

Northern Centre for Cancer Care (NCCC), Freeman Hospital

Volunteers must be 18+

Northern Centre for Cancer Care (NCCC) is the largest centre of its kind in the North of England. It treats patients with a combination of compassion and leading edge technology to ensure that they are provided with the very best opportunity to beat cancer in a modern and welcoming environment.

About the Ward

Ward 35 provides specialist care for patients with all types of solid tumour cancers undergoing specific radioactive treatment.

Purpose of the Role

The main purpose of this role is to assist ward staff with ensuring that patients improve their nutritional intake and increase their fluid intake. In addition to this, you will also provide interaction and companionship to lonely patients, collect items from the pharmacy and generally support staff in ensuring that patients receive the best experience during their stay.

Description of main tasks specific to the placement: 

• Take around the drinks and snacks trolley at regular intervals to encourage patients to eat and drink to improve their nutritional intake and increase their fluid intake.
• Spending time with patients who are on their own to help to reduce stress and anxiety
• Collect items form the Pharmacy department
• Engage patients in appropriate leisure activities of their choosing, such as general knowledge quiz, board games and arts and crafts.

Available shifts: 

• Fridays: 11:00 - 15:00

Note: If you have recently had cancer it is important to consider that volunteering can be emotionally demanding experience so if you are currently or have recently been coping with a medical diagnosis either as a patient, family member or close friend, this may not be the best time for you to volunteer in our patient- facing role. We ask that if you have been personally affected by cancer that you wait for a period of at least 2 years before applying to volunteer.