Voluntary Services (Volunteers)

The Voluntary Services department enables suitably trained hospital volunteers to help in a variety of ways throughout the hospital, deploying them where they are most needed and suited. This involves help in wards/clinics/outpatients and offices.  Also "meet and greet guides" help patients to find their way to various destinations within the hospital.

The Trust values greatly the work of its volunteers and each year many volunteers give up their free time on a regular basis to help patients throughout the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The hospital volunteers are organised by the Voluntary Services department but some are also members of external voluntary groups that support the NNUH.

Who are our Hospital Volunteers?

Volunteers come from all different backgrounds: some are retired people, while others are employed or maybe wanting a career change, or break; young people are welcome but it is not possible to consider them for ward help until they are over 17½ years.

Many young people who are considering applying to study medicine, nursing, other professions allied to medicine or managerial, clerical and support services may find spending time doing voluntary work at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital will help them decide on a future career.

All volunteers names are entered in the Register of Volunteers, kept in the Voluntary Services Department - this is a requirement for both legal and insurance reasons - and this department will ensure that volunteers are suitably trained and can work safely throughout the Trust.

Interested in Becoming a Volunteer?

Volunteering & Benefits

If you are unemployed and claiming benefits you should not lose these, but you must notify the Benefits Office that you are doing voluntary work. State that you can attend interviews at one-day's notice, are available for paid work, and are not receiving any payment other than travelling expenses.

If you are claiming long-term sickness benefit ask permission from the Benefits Office before starting voluntary work. If you are receiving any benefit, it is wise to contact the Benefits Office for up-to-date advice. Doing voluntary work can affect your entitlement to some benefits.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975

Volunteers helping in the National Health Service are required to declare any convictions that may for other purposes be spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Police Checks

A Criminal Records Bureau police check is carried out free of charge previous to each volunteer joining us. It will also be necessary for any volunteer in a department that involves children or other vulnerable groups to have an enhanced CRB police check. 

Training

You will be required to undertake a Volunteer Training Session - this is basic induction training & provides a general guide as to the scope and limitations of the role.

On-going Training

Most departments appreciate that time spent with a new volunteer will give benefits to both and so further training should be given by each ward or department as part of their volunteers' development.

Opening Times

Monday	09:30 - 16:30
Tuesday	09:30 - 16:30
Wednesday	09:30 - 16:30
Thursday	09:30 - 16:30
Friday	09:30 - 16:30
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	Closed

Contact Details

Main Telephone Number: 01603 286060

Based at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich