At a Glance
- Tasks: Support patients and families, providing a warm welcome and assistance throughout the hospital.
- Company: Northampton General Hospital, a leading employer committed to compassionate care.
- Benefits: Gain fulfilment from helping others and build connections with patients and fellow volunteers.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and enjoy a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Empathy, good communication skills, and a caring nature are essential.
Volunteering with us is a chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of our patients and families. By giving your time, you will help improve care, support our staff, and make every day brighter for those who need it most.
Why volunteer?
- Help patients and visitors feel welcome and supported.
- Give back to your community and the NHS.
- Join a warm, friendly team of volunteers.
About the roles:
Due to the nature of these volunteer roles, you must be 18 or older to apply for any of the roles listed below. All roles are based Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. Outdoor Buggy Drivers must hold a driving license for at least 3 years.
Volunteer opportunities:
Response / Runner Volunteer - Various (Monday - Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm)
Your commitment:
Just 3-4 hours a week can make a real impact. A regular commitment is required. If you cannot commit to weekly volunteering please look out for future opportunities.
Main duties of the job:
- Provide a warm welcome to individuals arriving for the Trust's pre booked Meet & Greet service.
- Offer wheelchair support and escort patients safely to their appointments, clinics or departments.
- Ensure all requests are logged and handled in a timely and supportive manner.
- Provide wheelchair assistance to outpatients and visitors who need help getting to their destination.
- Respond proactively to anyone who may appear lost or unsure of where to go.
- Provide a comprehensive volunteer buggy service for the hospital.
- Transport outpatients / visitors to departments and wards.
- Greet & chat with outpatients or visitors on arrival and provide a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.
- Undertake visual safety checks at the start of the shift, reporting any issues immediately.
- Be courteous and considerate to all other road users.
About us:
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values:
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Respect
- Integrity
- Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative. We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Job responsibilities:
What We Look For:
- A caring nature and good listening skills.
- Patience, reliability, and empathy.
- Respect for confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently while knowing when to seek support.
Why Volunteer with Us?
- Build connections with patients and other volunteers.
- Use your life experience to support those who need companionship.
- Gain fulfilment from helping others feel seen, heard, and supported.
- Be part of a warm, inclusive and supportive team.
Main Responsibilities:
- Collecting and delivering notes / swabs / medication / equipment & running errands from various departments / wards.
- Providing a courtesy Meet & Greet service (wheelchair training required).
- Assisting with patient / family video calls on wards.
- Operating a library service to wards.
- Visiting / chatting to patients who may not have visitors.
- Assist with wellbeing rounds, offering drinks to patients.
- Undertake patient / staff surveys to collect data to understand their experience.
- Guide people around the hospital and be proactive in assisting anyone who may be lost or need help.
- Confidentiality must be always maintained regarding patients and their property.
- Whilst carrying a radio always ensuring you speak professionally over the system and never speak about patients over the radio.
How to apply:
Clearly state the role you are applying for in your application in supporting information. If you do not specify the preferred role, sadly we cannot process your application. Tell us which day and time (between Monday and Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm) you are available. We receive many applications but can only accept a limited number of volunteers, so including all requested information is essential.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now and join our volunteer team.
Person Specification:
- Show empathy and compassion towards others and treat people with dignity and respect.
- Experience assisting the public.
- Ability to communicate in a calm and professional manner.
- Good interpersonal skills.
Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes:
- Recognise when appropriate to seek support from others.
- Reliable, honest and punctual.
- Ability to exercise confidentiality and discretion.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
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.
NGH Volunteer in Northampton employer: Northampton General Hospital
Contact Detail:
Northampton General Hospital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NGH Volunteer in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role and the organisation! Research Northampton General Hospital and its values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current volunteers or staff on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. It’s all about building connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive during your volunteering journey! Once you’re in, don’t hesitate to take on extra responsibilities or ask how you can help more. This shows your commitment and willingness to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully and highlight your availability. The more information you provide, the better your chances of landing that spot!
We think you need these skills to ace NGH Volunteer in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise: When you're filling out your application, make sure to clearly state the role you're applying for. We want to know exactly which position you're interested in, so don’t forget to mention it in your supporting information!
Show Your Availability: Let us know when you can volunteer! Include the specific days and times you're available between Monday and Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. This helps us match you with the right opportunities.
Highlight Your Skills: Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your caring nature and ability to support others. We love seeing how you can contribute to our warm and friendly team!
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to make a difference? We encourage you to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northampton General Hospital
✨Show Your Caring Nature
During the interview, make sure to highlight your empathy and compassion. Share specific examples of how you've helped others in the past, whether in a volunteer role or in everyday situations. This will demonstrate that you truly understand the importance of supporting patients and their families.
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of the NGH Volunteer position. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the team, especially in areas like providing wheelchair assistance or greeting patients. Showing that you understand the role will impress the interviewers.
✨Communicate Calmly and Professionally
Practice your communication skills before the interview. Since the role requires good interpersonal skills, think about how you can convey your thoughts clearly and professionally. You might even want to role-play common interview questions with a friend to build your confidence.
✨Express Your Commitment
Since a regular commitment is essential for this volunteering role, be sure to express your availability and willingness to dedicate time each week. Mention specific days and times you can volunteer, as this shows you're serious about making a difference and are ready to be part of the team.