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Volunteering

From greeters to gardeners, volunteers are an important part of the day-to-day running of our hospital.We really value everyone who volunteers, their contribution is a big part of what makes our hospital special. If you're interested in volunteering, we'd like to hear from you.

Fulfilling and rewarding

Volunteering at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital is fulfilling and rewarding. I have been able to meet wonderful patients and staff during my time here.

Giving back

Volunteering is the perfect opportunity for me to give back and to say thank you for all the excellent care both my mum and myself have received.

Volunteering is a great way to support the NHS and get involved with the local community. There lots of great reasons to volunteer, some of them being:

  • You will make a difference to our patients and visitors experience
  • You will be in a friendly environment and have the opportunity to meet new people
  • You will develop new skills in a healthcare setting
  • You are able to access exclusive NHS Discounts

Volunteering roles

Greeting and welcoming

Welcome patients and visitors, guide through the booking in process and direct patients and visitors to departments

Ward helpers

Offer non-clinical help and support to patients. This may include distributing food. Please note, you will not provide any care to patients on the ward.

Time required
A minimum of 3 hours between the hours of 11:30am - 2:30pm

Refreshments

Serve tea, coffee and cold drinks to patients on the wards. You may also support with the newspaper trolley for patients to purchase a magazine or newspaper.

Time required
A minimum of 1 hour and 30 minutes between the hours of 9:30am - 11:30am and 2:30pm - 6:30pm

Patient Experience

Support patients to complete surveys and collect completed surveys from departments.

Time required
A minimum of 3 hours between the hours of 9am - 3pm.

Simulated Patients (SIM)

Pretend to be a patient to help trainee-clinicians improve their communication skills and bed-side manner. Find out more about our SIMS Programme at he bottom fo this page.

Time required
Find out more in our Become a Sim section below!

Charity support

Support the Royal Orthopaedic Charity with fundraising events. This can include selling items, putting gift packs together and distributing posters.

Time required
Around 6 hours (over one or two days) between the hours of 9:30am - 4pm 

Join our Volunteering Team

Application

We ask that applicants consider being able to give a regular commitment of 2-3 hours per week for a minimum of 12 months, before applying. Once your application has been received, you will be invited to meet with the Volunteer Services Manager. We must receive your DBS and references before you commence. You will also be required to attend a one day induction course along with some mandatory training which is a statutory requirement for all volunteers.

Applications will re-open in February 2025

Applicants must be 18+

Disclosure

All volunteer applicants will be required to disclose any previous criminal convictions, cautions or warnings received as required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) through the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) process. The DBS is completed on line at the interview. If you have any criminal convictions you are advised to discuss any issues with the Volunteer Coordinator before applying. This information will be treated in confidence and will not necessarily prejudice an applicant being accepted for a voluntary placement. All applicants will also require a National Insurance Number in order to complete a DBS submission.

Contact us

0121 685 4226
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Become a SIM

About the Simulated Patients Programme

"The SIMS programme was a fantastic part of my training. It really helped me"

A 'Simulated Patient' is a volunteer who pretends to be a patient to help trainee-clinicians improve their communication skills and bed-side manner. For medical students, the opportunity to practice their examination skills in a safe environment is extremely valuable. By receiving feedback about their examination technique and bed-side manner, they have the opportunity to develop their communication skills before having to undertake this for real. The role of a 'Simulated Patient' enables volunteers to help shape the doctors of the future to truly understand how their communication skills can affect the people that they deal with.

About the Simulated Patients Programme

A 'Simulated Patient' is a volunteer who pretends to be a patient to help trainee-clinicians improve their communication skills and bed-side manner. For medical students, the opportunity to practice their examination skills in a safe environment is extremely valuable. By receiving feedback about their examination technique and bed-side manner, they have the opportunity to develop their communication skills before having to undertake this for real. The role of a 'Simulated Patient' enables volunteers to help shape the doctors of the future to truly understand how their communication skills can affect the people that they deal with.

Could you help?

This role is unlike any other volunteering opportunity at the ROH. You will be part of a team of volunteers, physios and doctors who will support you in this role. As a simulated patient you will:

  • Have a simple script to follow (you can keep it with you at all times)
  • Describe symptoms and give responses.
  • Allow the student to examine you (you should be willing to wear shorts and t-shirt during the examination)
  • Provide feedback to the student/ the trainer when requested

How does it work

  • The SIMS programme runs alongside the academic year
  • SIMS sessions happen every other Tuesday and every Friday from 10am – 4pm.
  • You won’t be required for every session
  • We ask that you are available for at least half a day, every other week. (You may be required less than this, but if you have the availability, please do let us know!)
  • You will receive all the training and support you need
  • You will be fully supported by a team of professional and friendly physiotherapists during the sessions

"My wife had a knee replacement at ROH some years ago, and I saw the wonderful treatment she received and the facilities ROH had to offer, I felt that I should put something back by way of ‘Thank You’. The ‘family’ friendship is part of life at ROH, from the top surgeon to the floor cleaner; to be part of that family and give something back to the doctors of the future, is a great honour."

Bill, SIMS Volunteer

What's in it for you?

There are lots of great reasons to volunteer.

  • You will be helping train the next generation of doctors
  • You will receive refreshments throughout the day and if you volunteer for 4+ hours, you will receive a free lunch voucher for our restaurant
  • You will be eligible to receive travel expenses for the day you are volunteering
  • You will be in a friendly environment and have the opportunity to meet new people
  • You will have access to exclusive NHS discount

Get involved

If you would like to volunteer please contact our volunteering team This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.