Health & Safety

Volunteers will be guided and shadowed to ensure you work safely and appropriately at all times. All our staff understands what we are asking of volunteers and what your role will entail.  You will have a dedicated member of staff who will act as your mentor and you will have general support from the whole team.

Every staff member has been trained in Health and Safety procedures, fire awareness and evacuation.  All volunteers will be given a tour at the site, shown where the fire exits are, first aid boxes are situated and how to report accidents at work.   

As a volunteer you need to be made aware of any health and safety issues when undertaking your role. Your named supervisor is responsible for your immediate supervision and support. Should you have any doubt about a health and safety matter, then you should discuss this with your supervisor in the first instance.

You have a responsibility as a volunteer to:

• Only carry out tasks which are outlined within your role description.
• Take responsibility for the health and safety of yourself and of others who may be affected by your actions whilst volunteering.
• Immediately report any accidents, hazards or injuries sustained by yourself or others immediately, to a member of staff.

You must notify your named supervisor and Volunteer Service if:

• You have an accident whilst volunteering.
• You fall ill prior to, or whilst volunteering.

Pregnancy:

There are certain areas of the hospital in which it is inadvisable for pregnant women to volunteer. If you are pregnant or become pregnant please inform your placement supervisor and Volunteer Service who will ensure you are adequately safeguarded whilst volunteering.

Incidents:

Sometimes things happen or almost happen to patients, relatives, members of the public or staff that should not happen. An incident could be the use of inappropriate language, someone falling over or a patient leaving a ward area without staff knowing they have gone. If an incident occurs, then a DATIX form should be completed by a member of staff and in serious cases, an investigation into what happened may be required. Volunteers may be asked to take part in an investigation if it affects the area where they are volunteering. In such cases, volunteers have the same rights as staff and will be supported throughout the investigation. If you witness or are involved in an incident whilst volunteering, you should report it immediately to your named supervisor as well as the Volunteer Service.

Moving and handling:

For the majority of volunteering roles you are not required to undertake any moving and handling or heavy lifting. If your role requires any moving and handling then you will receive additional training. You should never move or lift a patient as this could cause injury to you or the patient.

Infection control:

It is important for the health of our patients, members of the public and staff that you do not attend your volunteer placement if you:

• Are suffering from diarrhoea and/or sickness (you need to be symptom free for at least 48 hours before coming in to the hospital).
• Have a viral infection e.g. cold, flu, sore throat or flu like symptoms.
• Have a contagious infection, e.g. chicken pox.

Alcohol hand sanitiser is to be used by all volunteers before entering and exiting ward and outpatient areas. Volunteers are also required to abide by hand hygiene protocols (washing hands between patients) whilst working on wards and throughout the hospital.

If an outbreak is declared (such as Norovirus) on a ward where you volunteer, the Volunteer Service will contact you to advise you not to attend. Occasionally it may not be possible to contact you before you arrive at the hospital and in this situation the ward will send you home. You should never be expected to go into a side room or bay where there are infectious patients requiring barrier.