Northern Health Volunteers

Be the friendly face that helps people feel welcome when they need it most.
Every day, hundreds of people arrive at Lyell McEwin Hospital feeling uncertain, anxious or overwhelmed. As a Hospital Guide Volunteer, you'll be one of the first people they meet—offering a warm smile, friendly directions and reassurance that they're in the right place.
Your kindness can transform someone's hospital experience from stressful to supported, simply by helping them find their way.

Be the friendly face that helps people feel welcome when they need it most.

Every day, hundreds of people arrive at Lyell McEwin Hospital feeling uncertain, anxious or overwhelmed. As a Hospital Guide Volunteer, you'll be one of the first people they meet—offering a warm smile, friendly directions and reassurance that they're in the right place.

Your kindness can transform someone's hospital experience from stressful to supported, simply by helping them find their way.

Volunteering is about more than giving back—it's also an opportunity to grow personally, meet new people and be part of something meaningful.

As a Guide Volunteer you'll:

• Make a genuine difference in the lives of patients, families and visitors.

• Meet people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

• Build confidence in communication and customer service.

• Stay active in a role that involves walking throughout the hospital.

• Gain experience in a professional healthcare environment.

• Develop new friendships and become part of a welcoming volunteer community.

• Enjoy ongoing training, support and recognition.

• Experience the satisfaction of knowing your time makes someone's day a little easier.

Hospital Guide Volunteers help create a welcoming, safe and supportive environment by assisting patients and visitors from the moment they enter the hospital.

Stationed at hospital entrances, you'll provide information, directions and friendly assistance, helping people confidently navigate what can often be an unfamiliar environment.

• Welcome patients, families and visitors with a warm and friendly approach.

• Escort visitors to wards, clinics and hospital departments.

• Assist with general enquiries and help people find the services they need.

• Arrange wheelchairs when required.

• Work alongside hospital staff to ensure visitors have a positive experience.

• Complete other non-clinical tasks as directed by the Volunteer Office.

For your safety, volunteers do not handle appointment letters or mobile phones belonging to patients or visitors.

We're looking for people who:

• Enjoy helping others and starting conversations.

• Have a warm, approachable and positive personality.

• Are confident communicating with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Can remain calm and helpful in a busy environment.

• Are physically fit and enjoy being active (the role involves standing and walking throughout the hospital, approximately 7 km during a four-hour shift).

• Can work independently while also being part of a supportive team.

• Are reliable and able to commit to a regular volunteer schedule.

• Respect confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Shifts available Monday to Friday

• Morning: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

• Afternoon: 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 1 regular weekly shift.

You'll receive comprehensive Guide Volunteer training before you begin and ongoing support from the Volunteer Services team. You'll also receive a volunteer uniform and become part of a friendly network of volunteers who play an important role within the hospital community.

Successful volunteers will:

• Complete the Guide Volunteer training program.

• Maintain confidentiality and sign a confidentiality agreement.

• Wear the volunteer uniform with pride and present professionally.

• Be flexible to work from different Guide desks when required.

• Follow hospital and volunteer guidelines and procedures.

• Attend required training sessions.

• Notify the Volunteer Office if unable to attend a scheduled shift.

• Stay home if unwell to help protect patients, visitors and staff.

Hospitals can be confusing and stressful places, particularly for people visiting for the first time. A friendly greeting, clear directions and a reassuring presence can reduce anxiety and help people feel cared for before they even reach their appointment.

As a Hospital Guide Volunteer, you'll become an important part of the patient experience—providing compassion, confidence and connection for thousands of people each year.

If you enjoy meeting people, staying active and making a meaningful contribution to your community, we'd love to welcome you to our volunteer team.