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

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

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

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

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)

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.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy

Logistical and administrative tasks: re-stock, label, deliver, etc.

Distribution

Distribution

Logistical and administrative tasks: re-stock, label, deliver, etc.