About this role
Job summary
As a volunteer at our Trust you will work alongside clinical and non-clinical teams to enhance the patient experience. There are numerous volunteer roles across the Trust - please review attached job descriptions for current volunteer opportunities. A volunteer enhances the care provided by our teams by providing friendly support to patients and their families. Assisting patients and staff with daily activities and tasks, supporting patients with care and treatment plans and always maintaining confidentiality and dignity.
As a volunteer you will communicate with a variety of people so good communication and interpersonal skills are essential as well as a caring and empathetic respectful attitude.
We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals who have a commitment to provide the best care to our patients and families.
Being a Trust volunteer is extremely rewarding it can not only provide a sense of accomplishment but it can provide opportunities to learn new skills and gain experience in the healthcare setting, so whether you are studying or reconsidering your career or you just want to support your community come and join us you will receive a full induction and ongoing support in your new role.
Main duties of the job
We have two roles available, Ward Volunteer and Gardening Volunteer. For full list of duties please refer to the attached job descriptions for the role.
About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please see below for duties of Gardening Volunteer and Ward Volunteer.
Gardening Volunteer
To carry out general gardening tasks to help keep the gardens tidy.
To carry out specific gardening tasks e.g. bringing seeds and plants on in the greenhouse ready to plant out.
To assist with the collection and provision of materials from the garden to support social and therapeutic horticulture activities.
To clean, maintain and put away gardening tools following each shift.
To liaise with porters to ensure any litter or garden waste is disposed of correctly.
To support garden fundraising events as appropriate.
Maintain a code of confidentiality in all matters relating to patients and their families.
Uphold the values and standards of the organisation
You will be expected to commit to 2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months
You will be expected to undertake training prior to volunteering and maintain compliance in annual online training to remain safe whilst working in the Trust
Ward Volunteer
Report to Nurse in Charge for up-to-date information on patients and duties.
Serve food and refreshments to patients and give assistance if required.
Collect in dishes and assist with rinsing dishes if necessary.
Reading to patients, or writing on behalf of patients if needed.
Encourage and support patients with any hobbies or activities they may wish to do.
Respond to patients and patients relatives needs by spending time talking, listening or leaving them on their own as appropriate.Always inform a nurse of any important conversations.
Take patients out in the grounds (wheelchair) if appropriate.Always inform staff if doing so.
Report to the nurse in charge any concern you may have regarding a patient.
Check plants / change water / arrange flowers.
To greet visitors in a professional and courteous manor.
To undertake any other task which maybe considered reasonable and at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge e.g feeding a patient, repositioning a patient before meals so that patient is in a sitting position.
Maintain a code of confidentiality in all matters relating to patients and their families.
Uphold the values and standards of the organisation
You will be expected to commit to 2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months
You will be expected to undertake training prior to volunteering and maintain compliance in annual online training to remain safe whilst working in the Trust
Person Specification
Reason for applying to Volunteer Essential
Please tell us why you want to volunteer with the Trust.
Experience Essential
Please describe any experience you feel will be relevant for the role/roles you are applying for.
Which role/roles you would like to apply for Essential
What role/roles are you interested in applying for and why?
Skills and Values Essential
Tell us what skills and values you will bring as a volunteer at South Tyneside and Sunderland Foundation Trust.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Address St Benedict's Hospice
Sunderland
Tyne and Wear
SR2 0NY
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.stsft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)