One of the Winchester District Memorial Hospital’s richest resources is its volunteers. Annually, over 160 volunteers donate nearly 12,000 hours of service to the hospital community. From high school students to senior citizens, there is a role for everyone.
Volunteering has been proven to have a positive impact on the overall health of not only the people we serve, but volunteers themselves. Here’s why many volunteers continue to give their time to WDMH:
- Social benefits of getting out and meeting new people
- Regular exercise walking with patients in the hospital
- Satisfaction of helping others
- Training on tasks and gaining familiarity of how the hospital works
- Diverse opportunities for varied interests
- Gain career-related experience
- Build self-esteem & confidence
- Give back to people and a facility that has helped them or their family in the past
Students have a unique opportunity to volunteer at WDMH and gain their 40 volunteer hours required to graduate from secondary school. However, they also have the opportunity to benefit in many other ways such as:
- Hours of service awards
- Varied roles within the hospital
- Educational opportunities
- Student Leadership conference opportunities
Volunteering at WDMH
Opportunities at WDMH are as diverse as the volunteers themselves. Some of the opportunities include:
Administration
- Assisting WDMH staff with routine tasks such as photocopying and office assistance.
- Welcoming visitors and patients at the front desk and directing / escorting them to their destination.
Patient Care
- Supporting health care professionals in various ways.
- Escorting patients from their rooms to hospital service areas.
- Assisting with exercise programs in physiotherapy.
- Providing refreshments and comfort to patients recovering from day surgery.
Retail
- Staffing the Gift Shoppe which duties include assisting customers , operating the cash register and restocking the shelves.
- HELPP Lottery volunteers sell break open tickets in the main foyer.
Community
- Working with community partners assisting with various fund raising activities.
Application Process
It's as easy as:
Contact Alan Archer, Chief Liaison Officer - Volunteer services at (613) 774-2422 x 6323 or email at aarcher@wdmh.on.ca.