Volunteer at the hospital

‘Our vision is to evolve and grow a volunteer network that appeals to the diverse range of people from our Island and to build a supportive network of volunteers who will enhance the patients’ experience'

Our volunteers complement a variety of services supporting patients and their families. If you have a few hours a week to spare, enjoying working with people and want to support the community, then we have just the opportunity for you.

Some of the examples of roles are listed below:

• Art Programme – we continue to build on the successful art exhibitions which provide an environment that enhances the health and wellbeing of all people who use the hospital. If you have an interest in art and wish to coordinate the artwork in the hospital then we would love to hear from you.
• Conversation Companions – volunteers who befriend patients who may not have many visitors.
• Dining companions help to serve the meals and if required assist with feeding the patient on a one to one basis.  As well as chatting to the patient and encouraging them to eat, they keep nursing staff informed about what the patient has eaten.
• Emergency Department Volunteer – volunteers who will endeavour to improve the patient experience by being a friendly face and willing listener, by explaining how the ED triage system works and by undertaking errands for the ED staff
• Hear2Help: volunteers, who are expertly trained, assist with minor repairs, re-tubing and the supply of batteries for the full range of hearing aids issued on the NHS.
• Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service - provide free, confidential non-clinical support to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis. Volunteers assist patients, carers, family members, and the general public by providing a listening ear and signposting these clients to the most appropriate service to assist with their needs.
• Maternity Volunteer – volunteers who will support new mums, improve the patient experience by being a friendly face and willing listener and by helping out the Maternity staff
• Meet & Greeters are positioned at the front desk in the main entrance of the hospital. They provide a helpful and welcoming service to all visitors, patients and staff.
• Mobile library service – this service visits the wards with books and magazines.
• Patient Survey Interviewer – volunteers who attend the wards weekly and help the patients complete the patient feedback questionnaires, also offering some conversation
• Peace Garden - maintenance and assisting with the development of the garden which is used by patients, relatives and staff.

What do you need to become a volunteer?

• Ability to commit to a regular session
• Aged 18 or more
• Cheerful nature and good communication skills
• Good understanding of both written and spoken English
• No experience is necessary, just a willingness and desire to help others
• Mandatory Training is required when you start and every two years after that
• There will always be someone on site to support you should you need it

Our recruitment process

We have a robust recruitment process to ensure that our volunteers are properly recruited, selected and trained. All volunteers are subject to appropriate management and supervision.

During the recruitment process you will be required to:

• Complete an online application form
• Provide the name and email of two referees who have known you for a minimum of two years
• Have an informal interview
• You will need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) check which will be done at your informal interview
• Agree to shadow a current volunteer for a session and attend mandatory training every two years

Future volunteers must agree to all of the above before being offered a placement.

How does the volunteer benefit?

• The volunteer benefits from meeting new people
• An opportunity to learn new skills
• Regular shifts offer a sense of belonging and direction
• The volunteer services team have three-monthly meetings
• Upon occasion, they attend gatherings

What do our current volunteers say?

“Volunteering is both enjoyable and satisfying – you are helping and assisting both patients and visitors and by doing so, feel that you are giving something back to the community.” - Isabel Callaghan, Kathy Bell and Mo Shimmin.

“It is difficult to put into words the benefit of volunteering work at the hospital brings. For me it’s like stepping into another world. One filled with immense joy and satisfaction. My job with the book trolley is to bring a ray of sunshine to the patients on the wards. The appreciation and the smiles you receive when they hear the wheels coming is extremely heart-warming. I bring that home when I leave.” - David Creane.

Who can I talk to about volunteering opportunities within the Hospitals’ Directorate?

Should you require more information please feel free to contact the Volunteers’ Officer on volunteers.nobles@gov.im or +44 1624 650720.

How to apply

Please fill-in the online form or a paper copy is available to collect from the Volunteers' & Patient Experience Office, Noble's Hospital, Braddan, Isle of Man, IM4 4RJ.