Volunteer

The purpose of volunteer services is to enhance the patient experience.  Volunteering provides many lifelong experiences and memories for the volunteer, including community involvement and career exploration.

Commitment

Due to the complex application process, we rely on volunteers who can support the hospital with a regular commitment.
Our minimum requirements are:

• Volunteers must be 15 years or older
• 12-month placement
• One shift per week (2-4 hours in length)
• Note – summer placements are limited and reserved for post-secondary students only. Please contact the coordinator for details.

Qualities of a Volunteer:

• Be mature and able to work independently
• Customer service and interpersonal skills
• High level of empathy and compassion
• Positive and outgoing
• Committed and reliable

Volunteer Placements

In-Patient Support

• Provide diversion, support and recreational activities
• Meal assistance
• Entertainment
• Friendly visiting
• Pet Therapy through an approved Therapy Dog Program

Information and Way Finding

• Greeting people as they arrive to the hospital
• Provide information, directions and patient room numbers
• Assist patients in navigating through the hospital

Outpatient Clinics and Services

• Customer service
• Administrative Support
• Appointment reminder calls
• Discharge following procedures from Surgical Daycare

Becoming a Volunteer

Volunteering at Woodstock Hospital requires a regular, ongoing commitment.  Please make sure this is a good time in your life for this commitment.

Step 1 – Complete and submit the volunteer application package that includes:

• Signed volunteer application form
• 2 completed and signed reference forms from people who have known you well for at least one year. Suitable references include:  employers, co-workers, teachers, church leaders, coaches.
  
  Please do not use relatives, friends, doctors or lawyers as references.
  Volunteer application packages can be found online (Volunteer Package) or call the office for a paper copy.

Step 2
Volunteer Services screens all application packages. If there are not any vacancies that match your availability, interest and abilities, you will be notified in writing.
Step 3 – Interview
Volunteer Services will contact the most suitable candidates for each position and set up an interview.
Step 4 – Pre-Placement Health Review & Police Check
After a successful interview, you will be required to complete the health form.  It can take up to 4 weeks to complete these requirements.  The fee required for any tests/bloodwork is out-of-pocket.  Effective Oct 1/21, all applicants and volunteers must provide proof of two vaccinations for COVID-19.
Successful volunteers will also require a Vulnerable Sector Police Check.  We will provide you with a letter for the police station.  This fee is also out-of-pocket.
Step 5 – Orientation
Attendance at an in-person orientation is required.  There is also a set of quizzes for mandatory topics.  Please bring any outstanding, completed paperwork with you.
Step 6 – Uniform & ID Badge
Arrangements will be made to provide you with a volunteer uniform (vest).  Appointments are required to have your picture taken for your ID badge.  This badge allows volunteers to park in the staff parking lot, enter the building through the Staff Entrance and provides access to the Volunteer Team Room.  If you lose your badge there is a $25.00 replacement fee.  An experienced volunteer or staff will train you.

NOTE – Due to the high volume of applications we receive, and the limited number of volunteer positions, we are not able to place everyone who applies.