Northern Health Volunteers

Patients receiving dialysis often spend several hours in the unit, attending regular treatments over an extended period. As a volunteer, you'll help create a calm, caring environment by offering practical assistance, conversation and a welcoming presence for patients and visitors alike.
Your support allows staff to focus on clinical care while ensuring patients and families feel informed, comfortable and valued.

Be a reassuring presence for patients and families during their healthcare journey.

A friendly smile, a warm cup of tea and someone who takes the time to listen can make a world of difference. As a Dialysis Unit Volunteer, you'll provide comfort, companionship and practical support to patients and their loved ones while working alongside our dedicated healthcare team.

If you're compassionate, dependable and enjoy helping others, this rewarding volunteer role offers the opportunity to make every visit to the Dialysis Unit a little more welcoming and supportive.

For many patients, dialysis is a regular part of life. Your kindness, conversation and practical support can transform what might otherwise be a routine treatment into a more positive and comforting experience.

Whether you're offering a warm drink, sharing a conversation or simply being there to listen, you'll play an important role in helping patients and their families feel supported, welcomed and cared for throughout their time in the Dialysis Unit.

In this role you may:

• Welcome patients and visitors and help orient them to the Dialysis Unit and hospital facilities.

• Provide information about available amenities and where patient information resources can be found.

• Offer tea, coffee and refreshments to patients and visitors.

• Provide blankets and assist with patient comfort during treatment.

• Spend time chatting with patients and family members, offering compassionate, non-clinical companionship.

• Support ward staff with a variety of general tasks as required.

• Assist in welcoming and supporting new volunteers joining the Dialysis Unit.

• Restock the patient refrigerator with vitamin drinks and help maintain a welcoming environment.

• Perform other non-clinical duties that support the smooth running of the unit.

We're looking for volunteers who are:

• Compassionate, caring and respectful.

• Excellent listeners who enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life.

• Understanding of, or willing to learn about, the experiences of people receiving dialysis treatment.

• Comfortable working independently while also being part of a busy healthcare team.

• Reliable, flexible and able to use initiative.

• Calm, patient and responsive in a dynamic environment.

• Non-judgemental and committed to treating every person with dignity and respect.

Shifts in our dialysis units are approx. 1.5 hours in length. We have shifts available in the morning and afternoon

***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.