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.

• ACE Mealtime Companions. Make meal times 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.
• Burnaby Hospital Foundation. Assist with events, marketing and clerical support for the Foundation Office.
• Choice Dining Promotor. Interacting with patients, providing education on select meals options and assistance with technology.
• Emergency Department. Liaise between patients, their families, visitors and staff, and provide general information and assistance to waiting patients.
• Hearts on the Mend. Volunteers who have experienced cardiac health issues act as peer mentors visiting cardiac patients.
• Fundraising (all proceeds are used to enhance patient comfort at Burnaby Hospital)
  • Quilting, sewing and knitting - create handmade quilts, baby outfits and other items for sale in our gift shops and kiosk sales.
  • Special projects.
• Maternity. Help prepare the bassinettes for new babies and collect educational materials for new mothers.
• Mental health. Visit and participate in recreational and social activities, encourage clients to participate and help create a social atmosphere.
• Outpatient clinics:
  • Cancer Centre. Host/Hostess. Visit with patients, provide refreshments and help create a comfortable environment for clients and families.
  • Healthy Heart Exercise Class. Act as a resource person for new participants and family members and help with the setup of the cardiac exercise area.
  • Healthy Heart Office Assistant. Help with preparation of educational materials, surveys, etc.
• Pets and Friends Visitors. Approved pets are brought to visit hospital patients and staff.
• Rehab Support. Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy.
• Surgical Daycare. Help provide the human touch to day surgery patients and assist staff in meeting patients’ needs.
• Team leaders. Leadership volunteers act as a communication liaison to volunteers on evenings and weekends.
• Volunteer resources support. Clerical support. Create engaging bulletin boards, take photos and other administrative support for the office.
• Volunteer training facilitators. Facilitate group orientation and training sessions.
• Volunteer unit visiting. Social and mental stimulation by chatting, playing cards, reading, etc. with patients.
• Wayfinding. Ambassador and source of information, welcoming clients and the public at the main entrance.

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

• Minimum age: 16 years
• Minimum age for ER triage: 18 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