Hospital Friend

St John’s mission is to prevent and relieve sickness and injury, and to act to enhance health and well-being of people of all races and creeds anywhere in New Zealand.

St John is a charitable organisation with a volunteer ethos. It operates independently of Government and business, and serves communities throughout New Zealand by delivering an extensive range of services and products in the health and health-related fields. These services and products include:

• Emergency and non-emergency ambulance services for approximately 90% of New Zealand's population.
• Emergency care and first aid at public events
• Friendship and support over the phone to the lonely and the housebound
• Transport for people to their health appointments
• Outreach Therapy Pets – visits to schools and rest homes
• Hospital volunteers – supporting patients and their families
• First aid training and health-related products and services to the community.
• St John Youth programme where young New Zealanders from 6 to 18 years can learn first aid, health care, self-discipline and general life skills in their communities.

Hospital Friends provide comfort and support to patients and their families both in the emergency department and the ward.

In times of distress, people need more than treatment, they also need information and support. Because hospitals are often busy, staff do not always have time to give patients and their families the support and reassurance they’re looking for. That’s where St John Hospital Friends can make a difference.

Some of the tasks they carry out are:

• sitting with, listening to and talking with patients
• assisting relatives and supporting then if required
• finding the likes of a magazines or a telephone
• helping out with delivery of meals and cups of tea
• offering a shoulder to cry on or a hand to hold
• above all being a friend

It is hoped that all volunteers, no matter how large or small their commitment to St John will feel part of the St John team and enjoy all the support, friendship and sense of team that comes with that. You will be provided with all the resources and assistance available to help you do the best job possible. Hospital Friend volunteers will gain satisfaction from knowing they are helping people in their local community.

Requirements

People who become Hospital Friends are community-minded individuals who understand the need for care and want to make a difference to someone’s life.

We provide training for people who are interested in becoming a volunteer. Generally, a Hospital Friend volunteer will have strong communication skills, a compassionate nature and an appreciation of different cultures. 

A Police background check is required for this role.

Time commitment

Volunteers are generally required for around 4 hours per week or fortnight.

Getting started

The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.

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In applying for this position I confirm that I have read the requirements of the position and believe I have the skills and attributes required to carry out this role safely and effectively.