Making a difference

Every day volunteers are making a big difference to the lives of patients, carers and staff across County Durham and Darlington.

Over 600 people are involved in volunteering activities across the Trust's five hospital sites. Whether meeting and greeting people in outpatients, raising money or supporting the staff on wards, the helping hands of volunteers reach out to all parts of hospital life.

We very much value the contribution that volunteers make to our services. They support many different areas of the hospitals including helping on reception areas, supporting nurses in clinics, carrying out administration work, becoming involved with the Chaplaincy, Friends of the Hospital or the Macmillan centres.

Why do we have volunteers?

• they complement the work of staff;
• they support patients, relatives and visitors;
• they help to promote a more friendly, personal and social atmosphere;
• they have extra time to chat with and listen to patients and their relatives;
• they choose to give their time freely for the benefit of others.

Our aims

• ensure existing volunteers feel valued;
• increase the recruitment of volunteers within the Trust;
• support everyone within the Trust involved in volunteering.

What do volunteers do?

• general support with wards and departments;
• assisting with meal times;
• hospital radio;
  welcoming (meeting and greeting);
• assisting in the Macmillan information centre;
• assisting within the Chaplaincy service;
• assisting with patient surveys.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

• it helps you to become involved in the community;
• you can benefit people;
• it can help you to return to work after a break;
• it can help you build your confidence;
• it helps you meet new people.

How do I become a volunteer?

At the present time, recruitment for volunteers has been temporarily suspended.  This will be reviewed at the end of February 2012.  Please telephone the Voluntary Services Department at Darlington Memorial Hospital on 01325 743543 if you require further information.

As a Trust we work closely with the Friends of Hospitals organisations including:

• Durham Friends
• Darlington Friends
• Chester-le-Street Friends