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Volunteer Information

The heart of Bethesda

We couldn’t do it without you.

Volunteers are a significant part of the Bethesda family, playing an irreplaceable role in the lives of patients and their families. They generously give their time so Bethesda staff can provide additional services to our community.

Interested in joining one of our Volunteer Teams?

Volunteers operate throughout the Hospital, but we do have a special focus on Palliative Care. Volunteer Teams include:

  • Meet & Greet
  • Concierge
  • Palliative Care.
  • Happy Hour Drinks Trolley for Palliative Care.
  • Therapists for Palliative Care e.g. Art, Breathing & Meditation, Massage, Music, Pet Therapy, and Reiki.
  • Musicians, Singers, and Choirs.
  • Clerical Support staff members and Palliative Care reception.
  • Store Person.

 

Personal strengths required.

When considering volunteering, we encourage you to find an area that best suits your personality, interests, and skillset. With that in mind, some skills are essential in every area:

  • Great communication.
  • Empathy and patience.
  • An understanding of confidentiality and privacy.
  • A friendly and helpful attitude.
  • Reliability, initiative, and punctuality.
  • Able to commit time to volunteering on regular basis.
  • A willingness to undergo orientation and training, and to attend Volunteer Meetings.
  • A willingness to assist with fundraising activities.

More on our two main teams

Meet & Greet.

Often, you’ll be the friendly face greeting patients and their families as they come into the Hospital. This is an essential part of making every person feel welcome and comfortable — particularly those who may be nervous or apprehensive about their visit. As part of your role, you’ll:

  • Direct queries (when appropriate) to the Concierge or main reception desk.
  • Escort new patients to their rooms.
  • Orientate new patients to their rooms.
  • Direct queries (when appropriate) to the main reception desk.
  • Assist staff at main reception, as required.
  • Make up new admission packs.
  • Assist with general clerical duties.

 

Palliative Care.

Palliative care is truly the heart of Bethesda. In a time that can be incredibly stressful and distressing, it’s vital we do our best to help every patient and their family members feel at-ease, empowered, and comfortable during their experience here. As part of your role, you’ll:

  • Provide companionship and support for patients, as well as their relatives and friends.
  • Make sure all items that the patient requires are within reach.
  • Freshening flowers throughout the ward.
  • Assist and accompany independent patients on walks.
  • Take patients by wheelchair out of their rooms for a walk or fresh air.
  • Assist patients with food and/or fluids.
  • Assist with patient completing menus.
  • Make tea or coffee for relatives or patients.
  • Keep rooms tidy.
  • Provide hand and/or feet massages.
  • Provide assistance to nurses as directed.
  • Set up aromatherapy burners.

Get on-board

A rewarding experience awaits.

We’re always looking for passionate individuals who can help us make Bethesda even more welcoming and wonderful. To enquire about joining, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Jessie Tan on (08) 9340 6303 or volunteering@bethesda.org.au.

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