Volunteer program
We are extremely fortunate to have the help and dedication of a wonderful team of volunteers. They give their time and effort to support The Bays vision and enrich our patients’ experience. Our volunteers are from all areas of life and of all ages. They are a valuable part of our team.
We currently have around 100 volunteers who assist us at our hospital in Mornington. Volunteers participate in areas such as administration, patient liaison and companionship, diversional therapies, the gift shop, the garden, and with flowers. To date, our volunteers contribute over 9000 hours annually.
Family and community connections, a desire to stay active and engaged, and a willingness to contribute to the health and vitality of the community drives our volunteers. As The Bays continues to grow, so does our volunteer program and the number of volunteers we engage.
It’s the volunteers that make The Bays such a special place. They bring the community into the wards and corridors. We are truly appreciative of their efforts and welcome their involvement as part of our team.
The benefits of volunteering
Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved in your community or contribute to a cause you’re passionate about. It can also be a chance to make new friends, learn new skills, gain experience or share your expertise.
Volunteering plays a critical role in empowering individuals, in fostering active citizenship and in building inclusive and resilient communities. Volunteering has many benefits for the individuals who volunteer, the organisations to which they contribute, and society as a whole.
Volunteer activities
Our volunteers help us in the following roles:
- Patient liaison officer – escorts patients to and from our Day Surgery
- Concierge service – assists visitors finding their way around our hospital
- Patient transport service – drive patients to and from our hospital
- Flowers – refreshing flowers in patient rooms
- Gift shop – merchandising and sales assistance
- Administration duties
- Day surgery unit – assisting staff when required in Day Surgery Unit with patients recovering post-surgery
- Gardening – light gardening duties like weeding, pruning, planting and general maintenance of the grounds
- Knitters – produce donated items such as beanies for newborns
- Patient ward companionship – providing comfort and care to patients in hospital
- Relievers – volunteers relieving shifts if someone is unwell or unavailable
Volunteer positions vacant
We are currently seeking volunteers for the following programs:
- Day Surgery patient companionship – You will provide one-on-one companionship to patients recovering in our wards and Day Surgery Unit, and assist staff when required.
- Concierge – Our concierge service volunteers help people find their way around the hospital and assist patients in the waiting rooms.
- Gift shop – Our gift shop retail assistants sell items and homemade knitwear to raise funds for The Bays.
- Gardeners – Our gardening volunteers help us create and maintain comfortable and pleasing gardens for our patients, visitors, staff and volunteers to enjoy. It includes light duties such as planting, weeding and general maintenance of the grounds.
- Community ambassadors – Our community ambassadors are part of the team that helps with fundraising, events or promotional activities.
- Focus group participation – In this role you will be a part of our connection to the community. Help us by giving your feedback on organisational, health or consumer issues, and participate in general surveys or questionnaires.
Apply to volunteer with us
All our volunteers must complete:
- our volunteer application
- all required forms including a Police Check and a Working with Children check for Mornington volunteers
- mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza
- all mandatory volunteer orientation and training
- role and site induction and training
To help and support our volunteers in their roles, staff and volunteer ‘buddies’ are always available.
For more information, email volunteer@thebays.com.au.