Ward Support Volunteer (Princess Royal Hospital)

Welcome to University Hospitals Sussex Volunteering for Brighton and Haywards Heath!

Before you apply, please note: we ask volunteers to commit to weekly shifts, at the same time and day each week, for at least 6 months. As an NHS Trust, our volunteers go through a formal recruitment process and comprehensive training, so it usually takes a number of weeks before you begin your volunteering with us.

Please only apply for one volunteering position at the hospital you reside closest to. We can discuss further in the informal interview any other volunteering roles that you may be interested in.

Why Volunteer at University Hospitals Sussex?

1. Help Your Community: A 2019 survey of nurses working in acute hospitals (like ours) found that two fifths of patients don’t have any visitors. You can make the difference to a patient by offering a kind ear and a hot drink when someone needs it the most. Alternatively, you might support clinical staff, freeing them up to deliver compassionate care.

2. Develop Your Skills: As a volunteer you will learn a lot – including many things you wouldn’t expect! Volunteering can help you to develop skills like problem solving, which can be helpful in the workplace and on your C.V. If you are thinking about a future career in health and social care, volunteering at the Trust can help you to decide if it’s for you.

3. Gain Satisfaction: Being a volunteer is good for you! Lots of research shows volunteering can boost your physical and mental wellbeing. You will have the chance to be active and experience new things, and you will join a community of committed volunteers and staff.

What Can You Expect From Us?

• Comprehensive training. • Ongoing support from the Voluntary Services Team. • Clearly defined volunteer role. • A stimulating environment. • A chance to make a real difference.

What Do We Ask From You?

1. Commitment: Volunteer shifts usually last 3-4 hours, at the same time and day each week. You can volunteer up to a maximum of 3 shifts a week. We hope you can come in at least once a week for a minimum of 6 months. It is really helpful for departments to get to know you and committing to a regular shift means you will be able to find your feet and really make a difference.

2. Compassion: Everything we do at University Hospitals Sussex puts the patient first. We are guided by our Trust values and we expect our volunteers to follow them too. Patients and visitors can experience all sorts of difficult emotions, so we ask you to treat everyone with kindness and understanding.

3. Champion: We ask you to represent University Hospitals Sussex in your communities and local networks. We have many opportunities for volunteering and working at the Trust and we are always excited for our volunteers to spread the word.

We hope that you enjoy your placement.