About Volunteering

Gorge Road Hospital (GRH) is a 'Complex Care' facility on the Gorge waterway that offers support for people requiring 24-hour care. Volunteers are a valued part of the healthcare team at GRH and help with a very active program of activities, including exercise groups, arts and crafts, bingo, entertainment groups and special events.

We are pleased you may be interested in volunteering at Gorge Road Hospital. Your role as a volunteer is to complement the professional role of hospital staff by enhancing services to patients and their families beyond the scope of patient care. Services provided by volunteers support the personal dignity, safety, security and quality care of patients.

For more information and general inquiries about Gorge Road Hospital, visit the South Island Facility page.

Intake Process

In addition to that described on How to Become a Volunteer and Frequently Asked Questions, all volunteers must attend a General Hospital Orientation arranged by Volunteer Resources before starting any assignments.

Qualifications

To become a volunteer at GRH in the adult program you must be over 18 years of age. You need to be available to volunteer once a week (same day and time each week) for at least six months. We also have a Volunteen program for youth ages 14-18 years.

Volunteer Opportunities

Activity Assistant

Assist staff with set-up of activity, portering patients in wheelchairs.  Participating with the activity and assisting with clean up. Some examples of activities are special events, entertainment, games, exercise groups, etc.

One-to-One Visitors

Visit with some of our patients who enjoy one on one time with another person from the community.  The visitation may include reading, outings, writing letters, reminiscing, listening, playing a game of cards or other activities.

Bus Outings

Help with the hospital bus outings.

Aquatic Volunteers

Help patients enjoy time in the pool.

Escort Volunteers

Escort patients to the church services or hospital hairdresser.

Entertainers

Provide residents with the stimulation of the arts.  Entertainers are referred to therapy staff for scheduling.

Pet Animal Therapy

This program offers the patient an opportunity to have pets visit them in the hospital setting.  All animals must be approved by VIHA and have certification from a local therapy program such as PATS (Pacific Animal Therapy Society).

Contact

Kathy Nies
Manager, Volunteer Resources
Email Kathleen.Nies@viha.ca
Phone (250) 370-8407