Published on 20 October 2021
Your hospital needs you!
That’s the message from East Kent Hospitals, who have relaunched their volunteer scheme after many roles were put on hold during the coronavirus pandemic.
It means there are a host of new opportunities for local people to get involved at the Trust’s three acute hospitals: Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
Mandy Carliell, the Trust’s head of patient and public involvement, said: “Volunteers have always been vital in supporting the work of our fantastic staff, and they were much missed when we had to pause recruitment at the start of the pandemic.
“We are now able to welcome volunteers back, and we have some new roles where they will be able to make a real difference to our staff and our patients.
“Whether you’re recently retired, are looking for something to do while the children are at school, or hoping to add skills and experience to boost your CV, you’ll be made very welcome.
“You’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping the NHS during one of the most challenging periods in its history.”
Roles such as ward helpers, meet and greet, and gardeners are on offer and volunteers can give as much or as little time as they can spare.
All volunteers will have a personalised risk assessment to help keep them safe and will not be asked to work in any area where there are Covid-positive patients.
The roles are open to anyone who is over 18, and in the first instance people are asked to fill out an online application form
Questions can be emailed to Mandy at mandy.carliell@nhs.net
