About the role

What will I be doing?

As a Hospital Host Volunteer, your role will include welcoming patients and visitors to the waiting area, helping them feel comfortable and at ease while they wait to be seen. Charing Cross Hospital has a large outpatient department and volunteers help patients at each stage of their journey with us. This will have a positive impact on their wellbeing and experience while in hospital.

Some of the main activities of the role include:

• Welcoming patients and visitors to the waiting area with a smile
• Helping patients and visitors to follow any required safety requirements
• Helping patients feel comfortable and at ease while they wait for appointments
• Liaising with hospital staff to meet patients' needs and help contribute to a positive experience
• Supporting the ward staff to provide meals to patients
• Taking time to chat and be a companion to patients when delivering their meals Keep patients company while they have their meal, as appropriate
• Encouraging patients to eat their meals and take a drink
• Making hot and cold drinks for patients to go with their meal, as required  
• Where appropriate, carrying out feedback surveys with patients
• Supporting other non-clinical tasks for the ward, as requested by the ward staff

What skills will I need?

We’re looking for volunteers who are friendly, caring and passionate about supporting patients and staff at our hospitals. You’ll also find the following skills and qualities are particularly useful in this role:

• A friendly, positive and approachable manner
• Knowledge of the hospital layout or an interest to learn
• Ability to be empathetic, patient and calm in difficult situations if they arise
• Working well within a diverse team
• Ability to follow instructions and be flexible
• Acting on your own initiative within set boundaries
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to volunteer on your feet for several hours at a time

What support will I get?

This fun and fulfilling volunteer role will give you the opportunity to make a positive impact on our patients during their time in hospital as well as developing your own skills.

At every step we’ll provide lots of support to help you in your volunteer role. You’ll have a member of hospital staff as your main contact as well as extra support from the volunteering team at your hospital. We’ll give you the chance to take part in additional training to further develop your skills and we’ll say thank you for all your fantastic efforts through our volunteering awards and regular newsletter. We’ll also reimburse you for your travel and food and drink costs during your volunteer shift.

How to apply

Before you can start volunteering with us, there are a few important steps.
Take a look at the graphic below to see each stage of your volunteering journey.

One more thing to remember. You’ll need to complete a DBS check to volunteer with us. Click the button below to find all the information you need.

Support with your DBS check

When you’re ready to apply, click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to get started.

Apply now