Queen Elizabeth Hospital Seeks New Volunteers in Gateshead

The Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust is looking for more people to join its team of over 140 volunteers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead. As the hospital works to support a shift toward more community-based care, new recruits are needed to help improve patient experiences and assist staff.

Volunteers perform a variety of essential tasks, including acting as Response Volunteers to run errands, supporting patients on wards, and working as Volunteer Porters to guide people to different areas of the hospital (applicants for the porter role must be over 18). There are also opportunities to serve as dining companions to assist patients during meal times. According to reports, having volunteers on site helps prevent issues like malnutrition, trips, falls, and loneliness, while also helping patients feel less anxious and recover more quickly.

These volunteer roles are available to anyone over the age of 17 (except the porter role). All potential volunteers will need to complete an application form and undergo a health check and a police check through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The need for extra support follows changes at the hospital, including the closure of a specialist ward last year, as the trust aims to make £32.8 million in savings. Chief Nurse Beth Swanson noted that the hospital has since expanded frailty services and created a virtual ward to ensure people receive the right care in the right place.

Anyone interested in learning more about these opportunities can contact Judith Curry, the patient experience and volunteer manager, by emailing [email protected] or calling 0191 445 2343. Further information about the Hospital Response Volunteer programme and other ways to get involved can be found through the trust’s website.