Volunteering
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Our Volunteering Opportunities
Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora - Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty supports opportunities for volunteering.
Volunteers provide an integral role in the provision of health services for our patients and the support of their families. Our volunteers strive to provide a positive experience for our patients and staff and recognise diversity by treating all people with dignity and respect.
Volunteering strengthens community values and fosters caring and sharing through collaboration.
Training with orientation will be provided for all volunteers.
The minimum length of service as a volunteer is six months and our minimum age is 18 years.
Interested in becoming a Volunteer?
There are many volunteer roles at Tauranga Hospital and Whakatāne Hospital, including but not limited to:
- General Ward volunteers.
- Hospital Concierges / Front Reception.
- Cancer Centre volunteers.
- Transit Lounge (Ward 1D) volunteers.
- Musicians.
- Canine Pet Therapy Volunteers.
- Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) volunteers.
Requirements
- A warm and friendly personality.
- Genuine empathy for the patients and a nurturing nature.
- A desire to ensure Uri Haumate/Patients and whānau/family have a good experience.
- Ability to use initiative to support Uri Haumate/Patients, whānau/family, and staff.
- Be comfortable approaching people and be able to assist.
- Good communication and listening skills.
- Reliability and commitment to the work of the volunteer service.
- Be available to attend an application interview.
- Pass a Police Vetting clearance.
- Occupational Health clearance – fully Vaccinated.
- Complete Online Learning modules.
- Complete Orientation requirements.
If you have any questions or interested in volunteering, please contact:
Kai Tuitui Manaaki | Volunteer Co-Ordinator
Phone: 027 231 3365
Email: volunteering@bopdhb.govt.nz
Apply to become a volunteer
Application Form
FAQs
Volunteering is a fulfilling way to help others by contributing some time for the care of others. Tauranga and Whakatāne hospitals offer a variety of volunteering opportunities.
Yes. Volunteers are required to provide proof of vaccination prior to commencing any volunteer role.
Most of our positions require a weekly rostered time commitment of three to four hours. Our positions placements are Mon-Fri and within the hours of 8.00am – 4pm.
Patients, families, visitors, and staff must be able to depend on volunteers, so we ask for a minimum commitment of at least six months.
Most volunteers gift four hours of their time once or twice a week.
Volunteers usually take holiday breaks throughout the year. Holidays and leave can be negotiated with the volunteer coordinator.
It is easy to become a volunteer at Tauranga or Whakatāne hospitals:
- Contact our volunteer coordinator to discuss what opportunities are currently available. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have about volunteering and to discuss your availability.
- Complete our application form.
- Attend an interview.
- Once successful, complete onboarding documentation.
- Attend an orientation into the hospital and an orientation into your position by staff and / or another volunteer.
Prior to commencing as a volunteer at Health NZ Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi, you will be required to complete online learning modules and will be provided further training specific to your location of service. Our training covers such topics as:
- Health and safety – Keeping Safe at Work
- Infection prevention and control non-clinical.
- Moving and handling for non-clinical.
- Understanding Bias in Health care.
- Volunteer standards/ obligations and expectations.
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- Wayfinding around the hospital.
- Privacy and confidentiality.
- Emergency procedures – security.
- Event/incident reporting.
- Relevant hospital policy.
Yes. We need to be sure we are recruiting the right sort of volunteers to meet our needs and ensure our patients and visitors are safe. We also will undertake referee and police vetting process as well as an occupational health check requirement.
Volunteers all wear a uniform supplied by Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi.
Volunteers supply their own black or navy pants and/or skirt. Shoes must be sensible and comfortable with at least a strap around the heel.
You are always clearly identified as a volunteer and will always wear an Identification Badge as a Volunteer.
Volunteers can utilise the public car parking when volunteering at Tauranga and Whakatāne Hospital.
Our minimum age is 18 years. We do not have an upper age limit.
This depends on the role you are interested in.
At times you may be required to work with one or two other volunteers. Other positions require more staff interaction. Most of our positions require you to interact with our visitors, patients, and staff.
You will be joining a great team of wonderful volunteers. We offer:
- Ongoing training and skill development.
- Certificates of recognition and learning.
- Opportunities to be involved in hospital campus activities.
Volunteering can offer new skills, experiences, and friends, or help you get back into the workforce.