Ward Support Volunteer [20736]

NHS Dumfries and Galloway

Ward Volunteers play an important role in enhancing the experience of patients during their stay in hospital. By offering time, conversation and companionship, volunteers help reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety and boredom, particularly for patients who may be older, living with dementia, or spending extended periods in hospital.

Working alongside ward teams, Ward Volunteers provide non clinical, person centred support, helping to create a calm, friendly and compassionate ward environment in line with NHS Dumfries & Galloway values.

Basic Information

Care Work
  • Physical health benefits
  • Social benefits
  • Mental well-being
  • Instrumental benefits

Volunteer Commitment

3.5 hours per week from 4pm to 7.30pm. Shifts are on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
Long-term volunteer = over six months
Weekdays, Evening
No

Accessibility and Inclusion

Yes
Physical
No
Yes
No gender restriction

Requirements

None
None
Due to the patient-facing nature of this role, volunteers must be able to understand, speak, read and write English to a level that enables them to follow instructions, communicate effectively, and contribute to maintaining patient safety.
No

Training and Induction

3 hour Corporate Induction online
Hands on training from a Volunteer Mentor
2 hours NHS Mandatory Training
Remote

Process and Logistics

Application form, References required, Informal chat
Public Liability, Personal Accident, Professional Indemnity
Yes
Yes
30th Sep 2026