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Volunteers


Our Volunteers help improve the Patient Experience

Our aim is to support and compliment the services provided by the trust staff, ultimately improving the experience of patients and visitors.

Over 350 volunteers currently help at the hospital. They are clearly visible in the smart uniform and are always willing to help. Volunteering is a rewarding and uplifting experience and gives you the opportunity to be involved at your local hospital and give your time to help other people

Volunteer roles available at the Hospital

  • Retail Assistants – Helping in Shops or cafes
  • Hospital Guides – To accompany patients and visitors to their destinations
  • Ward Helper – Assist with non-clinical duties on ward areas
  • Mealtime Helper – Assist patients at mealtimes
  • Patient experience survey – To meet with patients and record details of their experience.

Anyone over the age of 17 can apply to help at the hospital. You will need to commit to three hours per week for a minimum of 16 weeks.

We will offer an appointment to meet with the Voluntary Service Manager to discuss the most suitable role for you. The meetings usually last approximately 20 minutes. You will be offered an appointment when we received a completed application form.

As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to attend a health screening interview to ensure appropriate vaccinations are up to date and that you are generally fit and well for the role you have chosen. We take care to offer you the most suitable role which means that you will have a great experience. Some of our volunteers have been with us for over 25 years!

We will ask for 2 references from people who have known you for at least 1 year and where necessary we will carry out a Criminal Record Check

If you wish to be accompanied by a support worker we will ask you both to complete the application process.

Courtesy Caller Volunteers

The Courtesy Caller role is an exciting new volunteering opportunity within the hospital to support our patients in attending their upcoming hospital appointments and surgery.

We are looking for Courtesy Caller Volunteers will who will provide a quality service for our patients by ringing our patients prior to their arranged hospital appointments to remind them of the details of their appointments, supporting patients with minor queries and reassure patient who may feel worried about coming into hospital - overall improving the patient experience. Courtesy Callers will be in a position to support and direct patients to available information to make their hospital experience more positive.

We are seeking to attract enthusiastic and motivated individuals to contribute to excellent patient experience and are looking for individuals who possess good communication and interpersonal skills, have empathy, and can engage sensitively whilst giving practical information.

We are looking for volunteers who have availability to support us between Monday and Friday, 09:00am and 17:00pm. Due to this being a new role we are flexible to volunteering hours in those days and between those hours.

 

How to apply

Complete a  Volunteer application form May 2020 and send to: The Voluntary Service Department, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust , Poplar Grove, Stockport  SK2 7JE or by email to: voluntaryservices@stockport.nhs.uk

   Volunteer application form August 2018 

Student volunteer placements

Please complete the student volunteer application form if your volunteer placement is a requirement for your college course or university application.  (This application form is not for work experience applicants.)

If you would like to apply for a volunteer student placement please download and complete the volunteer application form below:-

 Student Volunteer Application form May 2020 

 

Volunteering Strategy

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new three year Volunteer Strategy.  Our key strategic priorities will support in developing up to date policy and practice for volunteer services in line with current legislation and good practice. 

With excellent policies in place we will be in a position to create additional volunteer roles.  It is our aim that we recruit a diverse volunteer workforce to enrich the services we offer including working closely with local colleges in providing a variety of new and innovative activities to enrich our patient experience. 

To support these changes we will strengthen local line management arrangements and provide access to a variety of Mandatory and Specialist training courses.  See Volunteer Strategy below:-

 Volunteer Strategy document 

Volunteer Charter

This Charter identifies our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for our volunteers. The Charter has been developed jointly by volunteers and staff.

Volunteers do not have an employment contract with the Trust but we are committed to providing a high standard of support in their volunteering ctivity, and in return our volunteers maintain the Trusts values and behaviours.  All volunteers are asked to sign the Charter on commencement into post.  See below:-

 Volunteers Charter 

 

Quick reference information

  • Voluntary Service Manager, Yvonne Hewitt Tel: 0161 419 5400.
  • Assistant Voluntary Service, Manager June Heywood Tel: 0161 419 5008
  • Opening times 9.00am -4.00pm.
  • We are located just off the Poplar Grove entrance on Stepping Hill Hospital.

What people say about our service

Joan, Ward Manager

`On B4 we love our volunteers. They are always happy and willing to assist staff and patients alike. They are hardworking polite and welcoming`

Cancer Services team

`Cancer Services Teams would like to express the sincere appreciation to Stepping Hill Volunteers whose generosity enhances our patients experiences - thank you Volunteers!`

Child Development team

`A very big thank you to our volunteers for their hard work and dedication`

© Stockport NHS Foundation Trust 2024. Stepping Hill Hospital, Poplar Grove, Stockport, SK2 7JE. 0161 483 1010