Northern Health Volunteers

When people arrive at the Emergency Department, they are often frightened, overwhelmed, or facing one of the hardest moments of their lives. While doctors and nurses focus on delivering urgent medical care, volunteers provide something just as valuable—compassion, reassurance, and human connection.
We're looking for caring, reliable volunteers to join our Emergency Department team and help make every patient's experience a little less stressful.

A smile. A conversation. A cup of tea. A reassuring presence.

These simple acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on patients and their loved ones during times of uncertainty.

As an Emergency Department Volunteer, you'll:

• Make a genuine difference to people experiencing illness, injury, trauma, or loss.

• Provide comfort and companionship when it's needed most.

• Support families navigating unfamiliar and stressful situations.

• Help busy healthcare staff by assisting with non-clinical tasks that keep the department running smoothly.

• Become part of a welcoming and supportive hospital community.

• Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

• Develop confidence, communication skills, and meaningful connections while giving back to your community.

Every shift is an opportunity to change someone's day for the better.

Working alongside our dedicated Emergency Department team, you'll provide non-clinical support by:

❤️ Spending time with patients who need someone to talk to or simply someone to listen.

☕ Offering refreshments (with nursing approval) and helping patients feel comfortable.

📞 Making phone calls on behalf of patients and helping families stay connected.

🧭 Welcoming and guiding visitors and relatives around the hospital.

🧸 Providing support to children or older patients who may be anxious, confused, or alone.

🛏️ Assisting staff with practical tasks including restocking supplies, preparing patient areas, cleaning toys, managing donated clothing, maintaining kitchen facilities, and helping keep the department organised and welcoming.

Your support allows our clinical teams to spend more time delivering urgent medical care while ensuring patients and families receive the compassion and attention they deserve.

You don't need healthcare experience—we'll provide all the training and support you need.

We're looking for volunteers who are:

• Compassionate, patient, and empathetic.

• Friendly, approachable, and great listeners.

• Calm and respectful in busy environments.

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.

• Reliable and able to commit to regular weekly shifts.

• Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Experience in customer service, caring, community services, or healthcare is welcomed but not essential.

Volunteers are rostered seven days a week between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm.

Typical shifts include:

• Morning: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

• Afternoon: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm

A minimum commitment of one shift per week is requested.

You'll receive comprehensive orientation, ongoing education, and support from experienced staff and the Northern Healthcare Volunteers team.

Before commencing, volunteers are required to complete mandatory training, relevant screening, and meet hospital requirements, including infection control training and health clearances.

Medical care saves lives. Kindness changes experiences.

Whether you're sitting with someone who feels alone, helping a worried family member find their way, or simply offering a warm drink and a listening ear, your presence brings comfort when people need it most.

Join our Emergency Department Volunteer team and help create a more compassionate experience for patients, families, and our community—one conversation, one smile, and one act of kindness at a time.

***Applicants must be aged 18 years or older.***

BARE BELOW THE ELBOWS 
All staff (both clinical and non-clinical), students, volunteers and contractors having 
contact with the patient and/or the patient’s environment must be bare below the 
elbows, including the following:
• Hand and wrist jewellery (including wrist watches and fitness bands) are not to 
be worn in the clinical area, with the exception of a medical alert bracelet 
and/or a single, plain, non-porous ring. 
• Long sleeved clothing is not recommended, but if worn needs to be rolled up 
above the elbow so as not to interfere with hand hygiene practice.
• Nails are to be short, clean and unvarnished. 
• Artificial nails are not to be worn 

Please note:
* As each organisation provides different levels/types of insurance, volunteers are reminded to check with the organisation as to the type of insurance provided for volunteers (e.g. Voluntary Workers Personal Accident Insurance).
* Best practice volunteer involvement recommends that a volunteer role should not be more than 15-16 hours per week.