Volunteers
Volunteers in the health care system play a significant role to improve the quality of life and quality of care received by our residents, patients and clients. Through their interaction with volunteers, our residents, patients and clients feel better and are happier.
At Western, our volunteers are partners with our health care professionals and working as a team meet the individual, physical and emotional needs of the people in our care.
The NL Health Services Volunteer Brochure can be found here.
Volunteer Programs
Friendly Visiting
Volunteers will visit a resident, patient or client to have conversations, read a book, go for a walk, play cards, or reminisce.
Auxiliary/Gift Shop
Auxiliaries have been part of the heath system for decades raising money to support various projects including equipment purchase, comfort items, room decorating, and financial support for special occasions. In most sites they also operate Gift Shops which are staffed by volunteers.
Recreational Therapy
Volunteers will assist Recreation Therapy staff with residents for various recreation activities such as painting, arts and crafts, bowling, church, matinees, or other outings.
Dining Companion
Volunteers visit assigned resident at meal time as a companion and have a friendly conversation improving the dining experience for the resident.
Beauty Club
Volunteers will spend time with residents/patients to polish their nails and do their hair, making them feel extra special.
Music/Entertainment
Volunteers provide musical entertainment to our patients, residents and clients. Musical entertainment is a favorite event in long term care.
Spiritual Care
Volunteers offer spiritual and religious support to patients, families and staff.
Palliative Care
Volunteers will assist at the palliative care unit. This could be baking treats and providing afternoon tea to patients and their families. Or looking after plants inside/outside the unit.
People-Centred Care
PCC volunteer advisors make meaningful contributions to help our clinical teams improve our programs and services.
Breast Cancer Screening
Volunteers offer support to clients upon arrival to the Breast Cancer Screening Clinic.
Cancer Treatment Unit
Volunteers provide support to patients while they are receiving their cancer treatment – whether it is giving them something to drink, a warm blanket, or just to chat.
Greeters Desk
Volunteers will assist at the facilities with a welcoming smile and give direction and information to clients and visitors upon arrival.
Impact of Volunteers
- Volunteers are our valued partners in delivering care
- Volunteers make our residents, patients and clients feel better, happier and less lonely
- Volunteers contribute to the quality of care and quality of life of our residents, patients and clients
- Volunteers provide companionship and social interaction
- Volunteers help our residents participate in special events and activities
Who can volunteer?
Anyone over the age of 14 can volunteer at Western facilities. Once the application process is complete, volunteers are required to attend an orientation session where we will review policies, procedures and information of interest to volunteers.
We have a Teen Volunteer Program and our Adult Volunteer Program.
Teen Volunteers
- Our teen volunteers are between the ages of 14-18
- Our teens volunteer after school, in the evenings, on the weekends and during the summer
- Teens are required to submit an expression of interest form which is signed by a parent/guardian, and provide letters of reference from two teachers.
- The benefits of volunteering for young people:
- Brings a sense of fulfilment
- Provides a sense of purpose
- Promotes good health and wellbeing
- Builds self-confidence and self-esteem
- Adds to your resume
- Helps develop and apply new knowledge and skills
- Provides insight into career choices in the health system
- Enables you to become more involved in your community
- Helps have a positive impact on the quality of life of others
The Teen Volunteer Expression of Interest form can be found here.
Adult Volunteers
- Our adult volunteers are 18 year of age and over
- Adults are required to submit an expression of interest, provide two references, and have a Criminal Record Screening and Vulnerable Sector Check.
- The benefits of volunteering for our adults:
- Gaining personal satisfaction from helping others
- Feeling a sense of accomplishment
- Providing an opportunity to give back to your community
- Networking with other volunteers and healthcare professionals
- Learning transferable skills
- Participating in a variety of programs
- Accessing educational resources
- Enjoying new experiences and making new friends.
The Adult Volunteer Expression of Interest form can be found here.
For more information about joining our team, please contact the following volunteer staff/liaisons:
Corner Brook and Area
Western Memorial Regional Hospital
709-784-5369
Corner Brook Long Term Care/Western Long Term Care
709-637-3999 ext 3531
Stephenville Crossing and Area
Bay St. George Long Term Care
709-646-3217
Stephenville Area
Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital
709-643-7497
Bonne Bay Area
Bonne Bay Health Care Centre
709-458-2111 ext 228
Burgeo Area
Calder Health Centre
709-886-3350 ext 4115
Port aux Basques Area
Charles LeGrow Health Centre
709-695-4532
Port Saunders Area
Rufus Guinchard Health Centre
709-861-3139 ext 4240
You can also email us at volunteerresources@westernhealth.nl.ca