ACT Health currently has a large team of volunteers who work across many programs.
Our volunteers come from many walks of life and include university students, retirees, mums and dads and even full time workers who are happy to give some time either after hours during the week or on weekends.
The Health Directorate Volunteers provide a service and support for patients, visitors and staff and are an integral part of the health care team.
Contact us
The Volunteer Manager is based at the Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, Garran, in Building 5 (near the Residential Accommodation Reception).
Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:15 pm.
Please call the Volunteer Manager on (02) 617 45272 to make an appointment or to make an enquiry.
You can email any questions you may have to: acthealthvolunteers@act.gov.au to seek information in relation to any of the Health Directorate Volunteer Programs.
Current programs
- Aged Care and Rehabilitation Services Activity Assistant
The Volunteer Activity Assistant provides support to the Ward 11A Activity Co-ordinator by assisting the elderly inpatients to attend designated activity and physio sessions.
| Download: | Activity Assistant role (Microsoft Word XML Document - 23k) |
- Canberra Community Dialysis Centre
Volunteers provide support and assist to patients and staff within the Canberra Community Dialysis Centre
| Download: | CCDC role (Microsoft Word XML Document - 23k) |
- Canberra Hospital Auxiliary
In December 2009, Canberra Hospital received its two-millionth dollar donation from the Auxiliary.
The services provided by the Auxiliary include the Auxiliary Kiosk, a trolley service to the wards, hospital guides, and a library service for patients and staff. - Community Aged Care Day Programs (Belconnen and Tuggeranong Aged Care Day Centres) – Activity Assistants
Volunteers assist the Coordinator with activity programs, reading to clients, writing letters, reading poetry and playing games. The Volunteer also assistes with morning teas and lunch in setting tables and washing up. - Discharge Lounge Support Person
The Discharge Lounge Volunteer provides assistance to the nursing staff in the Discharge Lounge by providing a welcoming atmosphere for patients and their family members whilst waiting to be formally discharged.
| Download: | Discharge Lounge role (Microsoft Word Document - 34k) |
- Emergency Department Volunteer Program Volunteers provide non-clinical support to patients/visitors during their journey through the Emergency Department.
| Download: | Condition of Placement (Microsoft Word XML Document - 34k) |
- Canberra Hospital Foundation
Fundraising Volunteers assist by selling raffle tickets, tickets for events such as the Cancer Ball and any other promotional events that require assistance.
| Download: | Condition of Placement (Microsoft Word XML Document - 59k) |
- Hand / Foot Massage
The Hand & Foot massage volunteers provide a massage service to patients in your designated areas or on request. Massage Volunteers currently work in the Oncology inpatient and day ward.
| Download: | Massage role (Microsoft Word XML Document - 23k) |
- Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy
Pastoral Care Volunteers play an important role in supporting the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Services provided to patients at the Canberra Hospital.
As a Pastoral Care Volunteer you will be required to complete the Introductory Course in Clinical Pastoral Education, provide a letter of reference from the head of your Denomination or Faith group.
You will also be required to attend an interview/information session with the Team Leader and Department Manager. Your role will be to provide spiritual support and comfort where needed to patients of the Canberra Hospital.
Please contact Pastrol Care on (02)6244 3849 for further information in relation to volunteering in this area. - PaTCH
The role of the volunteer is to provide a caring, efficient service that enhances the activities of our paid professional staff. The PatCH Volunteer Program aims to adopt the philosophy and goals of PatCH in striving to provide the best possible service to patients, their families, members of the community and staff.
Please contact the PatCH Volunteer Coordinator on (02)6244 3740 for further information in relation to volunteering in this area.
| Download: | PatCH FAQ (PDF File - 83k) Role description (PDF File - 92k) |
- Speech PathologyAphasia Talkback Program
The Aphasia Talkback volunteer provides a service to Speech Pathology patients who have registered for a 10 week ‘Talkback Group’. The aim of the group is to provide opportunities for people with chronic aphasia to socialise and enjoy conversation, despite their communication difficulties.
| Download: | Aphasia Talkback (Microsoft Word Document - 34k) |
- Veterans Lounge
This role provides support to Veterans and their families during hospital treatment.
| Download: | Veterans Lounge role (Microsoft Word XML Document - 23k) |
Other External Volunteer Providers
ACT Health work closely with other organisations who also provide volunteer services for our patients, including:
Your Commitment
So that we can plan and roster volunteers we ask for a regular commitment – it can be weekly, fortnightly and even monthly – as long as there is consistency and provide us with prior notice of any long absences. Dependent on the requirements of the volunteer program you undertake you may be working for a minimum of 3 hours and sometimes longer. This will be discussed further at interview.
How do I become a Volunteer with ACT Health?
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
| Download: | FAQ's (Microsoft Word XML Document - 34k) |
Please call the Volunteer Manager on (02) 617 45272 or email any questions you may have in relation to any of the Volunteer Programs.
Complete the Application Form and Police Check Form (National Police Checks are mandatory)
| Download: | AFP Police Check Form (PDF File - 667k) Application Form - General (Microsoft Word Document - 62k) |
Send completed forms to the Volunteer Manager:Email: acthealthvolunteers@act.gov.au or post to theVolunteer Manager,PO Box 11,Canberra Hospital Campus,Woden ACT 2616
You will be contacted soon after to organise an information session and interview. Following interview we will contact one of your nominated referees.
You will be required to complete a compulsory orientation program which will provide you with all the information and skills required to perform your roles. Orientation consists of two ˝ days followed by area specific orientation dependent on which program you will be working under.
