Volunteers are vital to our services and make a difference to the care our patients and consumers receive.
At Canberra Health Services, we have a large team of volunteers who work across Canberra Hospital, North Canberra Hospital, University of Canberra Hospital and our community health services.
Our many programs provide services and support for patients, visitors and staff. These programs include:
- helping to guide our patients and visitors around our facilities
- hospital specific programs
- the sale of goods at the Canberra Hospital Foundation gift shop at Canberra Hospital
- driving patients and their carers to appointments at Canberra Hospital
- meal assistance at North Canberra Hospital
- library service at North Canberra Hospital
- providing comfort measures and engaging consumers in discussion and conversation.
Benefits
Volunteering at Canberra Health Services can make you feel that you are giving back to the community by helping others in need. It also gives you the opportunity to make new friends and build great relationships.
You will receive:
- free parking and a volunteer’s shirt
- support and ongoing training
- recognition of your contribution.
Time commitment
We ask our volunteers to commit for a minimum period of twelve months.
You must be available to attend regular shifts, preferably on the same day and time, although this may vary depending on your volunteer program.
Background checks
Before commencing as a volunteer with us, you will need to undergo a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, sometimes referred to as a police check. You’ll need to provide us with four original proofs of identification after your interview.
If you’re volunteering in a driving role, we will ask you to complete a Driver Declaration form.
Requirements
To volunteer with us, you must:
- be 18 years or older
- hold a valid Working with Vulnerable People Registration (obtained through Access Canberra and to be completed once you succeed in your interview)
- have a clean driving record, dependent on your volunteering program.
Training
All volunteers need to attend an induction and orientation session.
We provide all necessary on-the-job training and mandatory annual training is also required.
Immunisations
You need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (2 doses) to volunteer at Canberra Health Services.
If you volunteer in a role where you have contact with patients, you will need to provide evidence of existing immunisations, or will be required to undertake a blood screen followed by any required immunisations.
The immunisations required before starting your role as a volunteer are:
- measles/mumps/rubella (if you were born in or before 1966 this is not required)
- varicella (chickenpox/shingles)
- tuberculosis screening
- diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (if working in the Division of Women Youth & Children).
Steps to becoming a CHS Volunteer
Canberra Hospital and University of Canberra Hospital
If you would like to speak to someone about volunteering at Canberra Hospital or University of Canberra Hospital, please contact Volunteer Services via phone or email to get an application form. Please complete and return the application form.
- (02) 5124 5272
- CHS.Volunteers@act.gov.au
- Volunteer Services, Main Reception, Building 5 Level 2 (ground floor), Canberra Hospital, Garran ACT 2605 (open between 8:30am and 5pm Monday to Friday).
You will then need to attend an interview with the Volunteer Coordinator, who will work with you to find the ‘right’ role that matches your skills and experience.
North Canberra Hospital
If you would like to speak to someone about volunteering at North Canberra Hospital, please contact Leah Tomic-Lee, Volunteer Services Manager:
To apply to become a volunteer at North Canberra Hospital, please complete the Volunteer Application Form and send it to:
OR
Leah Tomic-Lee
Volunteer Service Manager
PO Box 254
Jamison Centre ACT 2614
For more information visit the Volunteer with us at North Canberra Hospital page.
