Our volunteers provide a life changing service to our patients and staff in so many ways. If you can spare just a few hours a week to become part of our amazing team, you will be able to see the difference you can make.
It’s an amazing way to give something back to your local hospital - the one place that touches everyone’s lives in some way.
Here are the variety of roles available.
Case Study: Paul Begley – Care Café Volunteer
What did you do before you took up this volunteering role?
Worked full time as a care worker for the RNIB School and Children’s home.
Why did you decided to volunteer at Kettering General Hospital? What did you want to get out of being a volunteer?
Because I spend a lot of time working in hospitals with my client, I always liked the hospital atmosphere. I love helping people.
How long have you volunteered?
For 7 years – I did Meet and Greet and then the Buggy Services – now I volunteer in the Care Cafe.
What skills have you developed through your experience of volunteering?
I have increased my people skills dealing with situations in the hospitals.
What advice would you give to other people looking to volunteer at Kettering General Hospital?
Give it a try it is very rewarding work. Doing your bit for the hospital - I love it myself
Case Study: E Furnell - Volunteer
What did you do before you took up this volunteering role?
Student – several programmes at school but nothing like this so I asked if I could do this instead.
Why did you decide to volunteer at Kettering General Hospital? What did you want to get out of being a volunteer?
Comparatively small hospital with a close-knit community. I wanted to develop my communications and interpersonal skills.
How long have you volunteered.
Since Oct 2022.
What skills have you developed through your experience of volunteering?
· Communication
· Simplifing directions for visitors
· Prioritisation
· Working out where to go first to maximise time
What advice would you give to other people looking to volunteer at Kettering General Hospital?
If in doubt just have a go. There are many different roles at KGH; no matter your personality, there will always be a role for you.
Case Study: D S Major - Volunteer
What did you do before you took up this volunteering role?
I have just recovered from Breast Cancer – I was diagnosed in November 2021 and have had Chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and finally oral chemo as my treatment. I finished all of this on March 14th 2023.
Why did you decided to volunteer at Kettering General Hospital? What did you want to get out of being a volunteer?
Whilst being treated in the Centenary Wing, I was inspired by the volunteers who brought the refreshments around each week. It would pass time away watching them interact with patients and deliver the refreshments etc. One day there was no volunteer and I was horrified to think that without the generosity of the volunteer’s time that the patients may not receive drinks and snacks. Obviously the staff are there to help with this but they are so incredibly busy that they don’t have time to keep fetching drinks etc.
I decided there and then that when I got better I was going to apply to be a volunteer and give a bit back to the Centenary Wing for them helping me get through my diagnosis.
How long have you volunteered?
I began volunteering in May 2023 so only a short time but I love it.
What skills have you developed through your experience of volunteering?
I have learnt to listen to patients and if and when they want to talk to me I will respond accordingly.
What advice would you give to other people looking to volunteer at Kettering General Hospital?
It is so rewarding that I would encourage anyone to apply and become a volunteer.
It takes time to go through the application process but it is so worth it.
I feel so very proud when I wear my red shirt and enter the hospital, and the respect you receive is invaluable.
Case Study: Lynette O’Mahoney - Volunteer
What did you do before you took up this volunteering role?
I am a primary school teacher but working part time enabled me to start volunteering.
Why did you decided to volunteer at Kettering General Hospital? What did you want to get out of being a volunteer?
I wanted to do something which was worthwhile and in some way supported the NHS. As I was planning my route to retirement, I also wanted a role that involved helping others.
How long have you volunteered?
Since December 2021.
What skills have you developed through your experience of volunteering?
How to make coffee using a machine! Working alongside older people, as being a primary teacher usually involves children.
What advice would you give to other people looking to volunteer at Kettering General Hospital?
Definitely give it a go. You meet so many interesting people from all backgrounds and with their own story to tell. It is great to be a part of a group of people who want to support the NHS.