About the role

What will I be doing?

As a Patient Companion Volunteer, you will help ensure that patients and visitors have a welcoming, supportive and friendly first point of contact; and provide support behind the scenes as a chaperone or within the recovery room. By giving your time and showing kindness you will improve the experience of our patients and support these important aspects of patient care.

Some of the main activities of the role include:

• Welcome patients and visitors to the waiting area with a smile
• Help patients and visitors to follow any required safety requirements
• Help patients feel comfortable and at ease while they wait for appointments
• Be a companion to patients as a chaperone during certain appointments
• Support the staff to provide refreshments to patients in the recovery room
• Liaise with hospital staff to meet patients' needs and help contribute to a positive experience
• Support other non-clinical tasks, as requested by hospital staf

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
• Ability to be empathetic, patient and calm in difficult situations if they arise
• Ability to work 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
• Physically able to volunteer on your feet for several hours at a time and push a trolley to patients' bedsides

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 for Hammersmith Hospital