Volunteer opportunities - Burnaby Hospital

Volunteers are important members of the health care team. They are citizens of our community, offer service and support to our patients, families and visitors while enhancing patient care and the overall experience at Burnaby Hospital.

There may not be vacancies in some areas.

• Pets and Friends Visitors. Approved pets are brought to visit hospital patients and staff.
• Hearts on the Mend. Volunteers who have experienced cardiac health issues act as peer mentors visiting cardiac patients.
• Volunteer visiting. Social and mental stimulation by chatting, playing cards, reading, etc. with patients.
• Emergency Department. Liaise between patients, their families, visitors and staff, and provide general information and assistance to waiting patients.
• Wayfinding. Ambassador and source of information, welcoming clients and the public at the main entrance.
• Fundraising (all proceeds are used to enhance patient comfort at Burnaby Hospital)
  • Gift shop – cashier, buyer, inventory control, etc.
  • Lotto booth – sell government lottery tickets to the public and staff; all profits go directly to the Foundation.
  • Quilting, sewing and knitting - create handmade quilts, baby outfits, and other items for sale in our gift shops and kiosk sales.
  • Foundation events – help promote Burnaby Hospital and the Foundation at community events.
• Cancer Centre:
  • Host/Hostess. Visit with patients, provide refreshments and help create a comfortable environment for clients and families.
  • Oncology Relaxation Clinic. Help facilitate a weekly relaxation class for cancer patients, including meditation techniques, foot and brow stroking, etc.
• Surgical Daycare. Help provide the human touch to day surgery patients and assist staff in meeting patients’ needs.
• Mental health. Visit and participate in recreational and social activities to encourage clients to participate and create a more social atmosphere.
• ACE Mealtime Companions. Make mealtimes more pleasant by helping patients prepare for meals, providing companionship during meals, and helping to clean up after meals; assist with meal selection for designated patients.
• Outpatient clinics:
  • Healthy Heart Exercise Class. Act as a resource person for new participants and family members and help with setup of cardiac exercise area.
  • Healthy Heart Office Assistant. Help with preparation of educational materials, surveys, etc.
  • Diabetes Education Centre. Assemble patient material/ class booklets; help create posters or other interactive displays.
  • Patient and Family Education Centre. Provide assistance to patients and family members attempting to research medical conditions via computer and literature; and oversee the computers available to patients and family members for email and personal use.
• Hand massage. Provide relaxing hand massages for patients upon request.
• Maternity. Help prepare the bassinettes for new babies, and collates educational materials for new mothers.
• Team leaders. Leadership volunteers act as a communication liaison to volunteers on weekends and evenings
• Volunteer training facilitators. Facilitate group orientation and training sessions.
• Clerical support
  • Burnaby Hospital Foundation. Assist with events, marketing and clerical support for the Foundation Office.
  • Volunteer Resources support. Create engaging bulletin boards, take photos, and other administrative support for the office.

Volunteers must meet the following requirements to be a successful candidate:

• Minimum age: 16 years
• Minimum commitment: One 3-hour shift per week for 8 months

• Step 1 Application: Complete the application form
• Step 2 Interview: Only candidates who qualify for available positions will be contacted for an initial interview
• Step 3 Screening: Criminal record check and references will be required
• Step 4 Orientation: Attend a volunteer orientation session
• Step 5 Placement: Training and placement following orientation