Volunteering
Volunteering is open to anyone who is aged 16 and over who meets the requirements of the NHS Employment Check Standards.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer short-term volunteering opportunities; the minimum commitment that we ask for is 12 months, during which volunteers undertake one session of two to four hours a week.
About our volunteers
Volunteers are an essential part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and there are many and varied roles prospective volunteers can help with.
Volunteer placements are allocated during discussion with the Voluntary Services Team and the volunteer, and will depend on volunteer choice, aptitude and skills, and role vacancies.
There are many reasons people volunteer, and we have an extremely diverse group of volunteers. They range from retirees with free time to occupy, who want to meet new people and make new friends, to students who want to pursue an occupation as a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional. Some volunteers are looking to start a new career, and others simply want to give back to the NHS after they or their family have benefitted from our services.
A volunteer needs to be a good listener, a good communicator and be patient. They also need to be a team player, able to think on their feet, have a good sense of humour and be interested in people
You can find out more in our booklet, available around our sites and online:
Your Guide to Volunteering 2023/24
What volunteers do
Volunteers assist in all our hospitals and make all the difference to our patients during their stay; they are also enormously helpful to our staff and a valuable part of the hospital team.
Working as a hospital volunteer can help you learn important new skills, find out about healthcare, meet new people and contribute to your local community.
Hospital volunteers help with activities such as:
- assisting on help desks and as hospital guides - greeting patients and visitors
- serving in cafeterias and tea bars
- supporting staff in non-clinical areas
- hospital radio
- gardening
- book stall.
Each one of us contributes to the care of patients. Whether our role is to provide direct patient care or to support our colleagues who provide that care, we are all here for the same purpose.
When we all behave in a way that is consistent with our Trust values we are truly Delivering Compassionate Excellence, putting the patient at the heart of all we do.
We will try to place you in your chosen area, but if no vacancies are available, we will discuss other options and opportunities with you.
Contact us
Bridget Daly, Voluntary Services Manager
Voluntary Services Office
John Radcliffe Hospital
Headley Way
Headington
Oxford OX3 9DU
Tel: 01865 220140
Email: OUH.volunteers@ouh.nhs.uk
Please contact us by phone or email. We will send you an application form to fill in and return to us.
When we receive it, we will invite you for an informal chat either by telephone or in person to discuss your application.
We will need to ask you for two references, and to complete an online health assessment.
We will then request a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check:
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Other opportunities
Our hospices, volunteer radio stations and the League of Friends are also very happy to receive applications.
Their contact details are shown below:
Links
What patients say
"I'd like to comment on how great Bob the volunteer at the help desk was.
"Friendly, personable and helpful, he made sure every patient was treated with kindness and respect like they were the only one in the hospital.
"He calmed the nerves of kids and parents alike. His knowledge of the site is excellent, and hearing about his efforts with volunteering... on the wards etc., was inspiring.
"It was a delight to see such enthusiasm, and he's a real credit to the volunteer team."
Last reviewed:25 April 2024