The Saanich Peninsula Hospital is located 20 kilometres north of Victoria on 23 acres of land. This community hospital offers a wide range of outpatient services to people living on the Saanich Peninsula, including: Emergency, Day Surgery, Laboratory, Imaging, CT Diagnostics, Physiotherapy, and Nutrition Services.
In addition, the hospital provides in-patient Surgical Services in our Acute Care Unit and long-term care for the elderly in our Extended Care Unit. The hospital also has a 10-bed palliative care unit.
For more information and general inquiries about Saanich Peninsula Hospital, visit the Saanich Peninsula Hospital page.
Volunteers play a very valuable role in creating a positive experience for all who receive our services. Volunteer programs support both inpatient and outpatient areas of the hospital.
Qualifications
Thinking about volunteering at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital?
- You must be 19 years of age to volunteer in our Outpatient Programs.
- You must be in grades 8 to 12 to volunteer in our Volunteen Program.
- You must be able to commit 1.5 to 4 hours per week at a regular set day and time. The Palliative Care Volunteer Program requires a commitment of one year after training.
- You must have excellent communication skills and be able to speak English fluently. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy being with others and find it easy to talk to people.
Volunteering on a weekly basis is a big responsibility.
Please make sure you can find time in your busy life
for such a commitment.
Intake Process
Please read How to Become a Volunteer and Frequently Asked Questions. If we successfully match your special interests and talents to an assignment, we will ask you to attend an orientation.
Some of the assignments require that we provide special training how to deal with unusual situations such as how to support critically ill and dying patients. In addition to the general orientation and specific training programs, volunteers are able to attend region-sponsored educational opportunities.
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If you enjoy talking to people, giving directions and helping people find their way. Lots of flexibility and variety. Shifts are Monday - Friday – 2 hour blocks starting at 8am.
Keeping the weekly schedule and Summary of Shift Vacancies updated, primarily an administration position. Very flexible and position can be done from home quite easily. 2-4 hours per week.
Enhancing the dining experience of our residents in the Extended Care Units by portering, greeting and socializing with residents at meal times. This will include opening containers, refilling beverages, and pouring tea and coffee. Meal times are supervised by nursing staff.
Shifts are – Monday – Sunday – Lunch 11:30am-1:00pm and Supper 4:30pm-6:00pm (those are the times that staff require extra help)
Providing assistance and support to patients admitted to the Emergency and their family members. Previous hospital volunteers experience helpful but not necessary. Shifts are Monday - Sunday - 10 am to 1 pm, 1 pm to 4 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm. Departmental orientation and mentoring shifts are provided.
Recreation and Social Programs in Extended Care
Assist Staff with social and recreational activities such as gardening, carpet bowling, special events, or other activities.
Monday - Friday between 10am - 3 pm. Most activities are 1-2 hours long, currently available.
- Garden friends: flexible days and hours including weekends.
- Carpet Bowling: Monday 10am - 11am.
- Special Events: Wednesday 1:30pm - 3:30 pm.
- Short bus outing: - Days vary- Monday - Friday primarily- mornings and afternoons
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Social Butterflies
While fostering relationships with patients, duties may include: visiting, reading, reminiscing, playing cards or board games, music, or assisting with structured activities. Many of these patients have some level of dementia. Some may have no family or friends who visit.
Monday- Sunday starting at 9:30am – 8pm. Most visitors stay for 1-2 hours with patients/residents. Flexible days and times, units include Acute, South Medical and Extended Care.
Bon Appetit - Company's Coming
To provide companionship for residents and patients who would benefit from extra attention and stimulation during meals, create a social dining atmosphere. Classroom training and practical mentoring is provided. Shifts are Monday to Sunday - breakfast - 8:30 am to 10 am, lunch - 11:30 am to 1 pm, supper - 4:30 pm to 6 pm.
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Pet Therapy
Visit residents on the South Acute Medical Unit and Extended Care Unit. All animal volunteers must be approved by VIHA and have certification from a local therapy program such as PATS (Pacific Animal Therapy Society). Shifts are Monday to Sunday - starting at 9:30 am for approximately 1 to 2 hours. There are primary afternoon times open right now.
Accompany patients from reception to change areas and exam rooms and assist in changing if needed. Keep cubicle and waiting area tidy. Keep patients moving smoothly through the exam process.
Shift is Wednesday am starting at 8am-12pm (4 hours)
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To keep plants and flowers in presentable condition. To interact with residents in a way that involves them in care of their plants and flowers.
Very flexible times – Monday-Sunday, am or pm – usually for 2-3 hours each week
Social Organizers and Recognition Specialists
Organizing social functions for the volunteers at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital - 2 a year. Seeking out donations and being creative in ways to recognize the volunteers at SPH.
Flexible schedule based on the event, most volunteering would happen off-site, 2-4 hours a week
Visiting with the residents while polishing their nails, serving coffee/tea.
2nd, 4th, and 5th Tuesday afternoon of each week – 2-3:30pm
Assisting residents on short bus outings during the week, visiting while on the bus, and helping porter the residents on and off the bus.
Monday-Friday – various days and times, usually 2-4 hours for each outing
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Chris Foster
Manager, Volunteer Resources
Email christine.foster@viha.ca
Phone (250) 652-7519
Fax (250) 652-6920
mail
Saanich Peninsula Hospital
2166 Mount Newton Crossroad
Saanichton, BC
V8M 2B2
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