Volunteers
Volunteers are an integral part of Northern Health. They play an important role in connecting the health service to the community. Their dedication and commitment significantly enhances the patient experience and provides valuable support to our staff.
Northern Health Volunteers perform a variety of roles across all campuses, such as wayfinding, administrative support, fundraising, patient visiting, and much more.
Volunteering is all about making a difference in your community; it also benefits you personally as it offers the chance to:
• act on your values, passions and interests
• make new friendships and create professional networks
• gain work experience and learn new skills
• enjoy new social and cultural experiences
• develop personally and build confidence
• enjoy better physical and mental health
• challenge yourself in a supportive environment
• feel good about helping your community
• have fun!
Volunteers add tremendous value to our health service. Northern Health is committed to providing support and recognition (link to the information below) for the significant contribution they make.
To become a Northern Health Volunteer, there are certain requirements that must be met.
While volunteering is an extremely rewarding experience and can build your skill set, volunteering does not necessarily lead to employment. For those looking for long-term employment opportunities, visit the Careers section of this website.
Volunteer Roles
We aim to match your skills and interests with the health service needs. There are a variety of roles across our campuses and the community:
- Patient Visitor-Wards visit patients at their bedsides to have a chat, play cards, read books or do crossword puzzles.
- Aged Care provide companionship and activity support for our aged care residents at Ian Brand Residential Care or Kilmore District Hospital.
- Administration assist with various administrative tasks such as filing, scanning, preparing packs and mailings and photocopying.
- Patient Simulation Program role-play to assist medical, nursing and allied health students improve communication skills.
- Planned Activity Group assist in planned activities with our day care respite clients.
- Rehabilitation assists Allied Health staff in supporting rehabilitation activities.
- Guide greet and direct patients and visitors around the health service.
- Palliative Care provide compassionate support to enhance quality of life.
- Research participates in various research studies (no clinical trials).
- Northern Health Foundation participate in fundraising initiatives and campus raffles.
- Drivers driving patients to and from appointments.
- Consumer Participation community members and consumers helping to improve the health service.
- Baby cuddler programme comfort and settle babies with parent consent.
- Old Blokes shed assist patients to make and decorate items at our Shed at Bundoora.
- Tea and Coffee cart taking a cart around to the busy waiting areas within the hospital and offering tea and coffee.
- Library or goods trolley taking a cart around the hospital offering free magazines to visitors in waiting areas and selling items from the goods trolley.
- Knitting/Craft support make items that can be gifted to patients or sold to raise funds for the Northern Health Foundation or Busy Fingers Auxiliary.
- Meal Buddies Assist patients at meal times by taking lids of containers and ensuring patients can reach items. (Not feeding patients).
- Qflow assistant support patients and visitors with using our self-check-in kiosks within Outpatients area.
- Palliative Care visit patients in our Palliative Care Ward offering companionship. Additional training is provided for this role.
- Spiritual Care supporting the Pastoral Care Service to provide spiritual care to patients, family members and staff of the same religion.
Requirements of a Volunteer
- Be over 18 years old
- Undergo a Police Check
- Have a current WWC
- Receive an annual Flu Vaccination
- Attend an interview at one of our campuses
- Complete all components of the orientation process
- Pass a N95 Mask Fit Test
- Complete ongoing training as required
- Abide by Northern Health’s Code of Conduct and Volunteer guidelines
Support and Recognition
Northern Health’s volunteer program provides the following support and recognition:
- Volunteer Recognition events
- Training and orientation
- Free car parking
- Volunteer uniforms
- On-site coordinators
- Volunteer Position Descriptions
- Team orientated environment
Register to become a Northern Health volunteer
For more information, please email:
