Where can you work as a volunteer?

Volunteers are typically used to enhance the patient, family and/or the visitor experience. Volunteers are a valuable part of every ward.

Possible duties on intermediate and long-term care wards (e.g. Orthopaedics, Oncology, short stay, Dialysis, Cardiology, Geriatrics, Maternity Unit, etc.)

Help with mealtimes and serving water and coffee.
Patient transport support.
Provide a listening ear, small talk or information to the patient and/or family.
Be present with the patient and/or accompany the patient to an examination or a consultation.
Small tasks: dial phone numbers, pour a glass of water, run an errand, offer to read, etc.
Provide directions to the room and give information about the room (e.g. the call button system).
Logistical tasks: stock supplies, labels, pick-up distribution, kitchen, etc.
Accompany and assist patients and family to and from the car parking at the time of admission and discharge.
Help decorate the department according to the annual theme and participate in activities around and with the (geriatric) patient.
Other tasks: re-stock folders, sort, make guides, be an 'extra' in photos or for videos, surveys, questionnaires.
And even more!

There may be other particular tasks depending on the specific ward. An overview is provided below:

Reception and admission to Maria Middelares General Hospital and the Maria Middelares Medical Centre

welcoming patients and visitors at reception and accompanying them in the hospital
giving people directions, information and reassurance.
offering help in scanning ID cards at the kiosks at the entrance.
getting a wheelchair for patients and helping them to get about the hospital
listening to patients or visitors, making time for conversation and giving extra attention and warmth to patients who need it.

For more information, please see the reception and admissions manager:

Pastoral Care Service

on Sundays and public holidays, bringing Communion to patients together with other volunteers.
guiding patients and going to the chapel or atrium for a celebration.

For more information, please see the pastoral care manager:

Restaurant

Assist regular staff employees.
As an assistant in the restaurant, you will help patients or visitors who need assistance to consume meals/drinks and guide them to seats in the restaurant.

For more information, please see the restaurant manager:

Radiology

You are the contact person between the waiting patient and the radiology nurse.

Most important tasks:

You check the radiology waiting room for hospitalised patients.
You are the contact person for the patient.
You check with patients in the waiting room to see if they need help.
You can take patients back to their room if needed.

Accident and Emergency (A&E)

You are the contact person between the waiting patient and the Accident and Emergency nurse.
You check the Accident and Emergency waiting room for ambulatory patients.
You are the contact person for the patient.
You check with patients in the waiting room to see if they need help.
You inform and reassure the patient and family.