About the role

What is a Volunteer Responder?

A Volunteer responder is able to respond to the needs of the wards as they arise. They play a vital role in easing the pressures on hospital staff, by responding directly to requests from the wards. They support with tasks in key areas that we recognise as pinch points where support will enable the smooth running of the area. They also play a key part in improving patient experience and reducing waiting times for discharge.

Please note that this a pilot programme running at Hammersmith for the first time. 

What will I be doing?

• Purchasing Items from shops on behalf of patients
• Redirecting patients after ward moves or lift failures
• Collecting medication from the pharmacy
• Delivering blood samples to the lab
• Visiting lonely or confused patients on the ward
• Chaperoning patients
• Supporting front of house during high pressure
• Helping with patient meal times
• Helping patients with technology, such as Ipads
• Other suitable tasks requested by 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
• 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
• Ability to act on own initiative within set boundaries
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including English language
• Physically able to volunteer 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