The Trust has a large number of trained hospital volunteers who help in a variety of ways throughout the hospital.
Volunteers help in wards/clinics and offices, with patients and behind the scenes. There are 'meet and greet volunteers' on the main reception desk to help patients and visitors to find their way, and volunteers helps our patients get home.
The Trust greatly values the work of its volunteers and each year many give up their free time on a regular basis to provide support.
Who are our Volunteers?
Many of our volunteers are retired - either members of the public, members of staff or former patients - but some want a career change or a break or want to learn new skills, some are people with part-time work who want to give some time to support the hospital, and others are community spirited and love helping in a busy and social environment.
We also have young volunteers who are considering applying to study medicine, nursing or other allied health professions who may find that spending time undertaking voluntary work at the Trust will help them decide on a future career.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of the volunteer role in more detail, or would like to apply to become a volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator John Gilligan on 01493 453546 or email volunteercoordinator@jpaget.nhs.uk
Please be aware that volunteering and work experience are two different things:
· Volunteering is a long term commitment (a commitment of a minimum four hours a week for at least six months).
· Work experience is a short term (usually one week) placement of shadowing and observing.
Each year our annual awards ceremony 'Paget's People' recognises our Volunteer of the Year.
Meet some of our previous winners...
Jeffrey is well known to young people, families and staff on Ward 10 for the smiles he brings to the faces of everyone with his magic tricks and balloon sculptures.
Lisa volunteers with our Paediatric Epilepsy Team and also carries out fundraising to raise money for our hospital charity.
Casey volunteers with our front desk team, helping show patients and visitors around, collecting wheelchairs and making deliveries alongside other tasks.
Our Dementia Befrienders work to support patients with dementia, with activities and friendly assistance available from the team.
Dusty has volunteered with our Chaplaincy team for many years and is also a key part of our Hospital Choir, which regularly raises funds for good causes.