The Volunteer Resources Department for the VIHA - Nanaimo area is located at NRGH. The Manager, Volunteer Resources is responsible for maintaining, in cooperation with the staff of our many other departments, an effective volunteer program for NRGH and Dufferin Place as well as the Nanaimo Public Health Unit.
The primary functions of the Volunteer resources department are the recruitment, screening and orientation of new volunteers, providing support to staff in training, evaluating and recognizing the services of our volunteers, and providing support to our Hospital Auxiliary.
For more information about our Auxiliary, please go to: http://www.nrghauxiliary.ca/
Although Auxiliary membership is a requirement for some services at NRGH, all volunteers are encouraged to consider Auxiliary membership.
More information is available at: How to Become a Volunteer and Frequently Asked Questions.
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The Vancouver Island Health Authority has many opportunities for volunteers to contribute to quality care. We hope that you will find what you are looking for listed below. If not, our Manager of Volunteer Resources would be happy to hear your ideas. Please contact us for further information.
The Auxiliary Gift Shop
Located in the main lobby of the hospital, the Gift Shop provides giftware, sundries, cards, toiletries, candies and snacks, magazines, flower arrangements and handmade baby items and crafts for sale to patients, visitors and staff.
Auxiliary Thrift Store
Located in the Northridge Mall in North Nanaimo, the Auxiliary Thrift Store raises money for patient care and comfort through the sale of gently used clothing and household goods.
Auxiliary Craft Workparties and Other Fundraising Projects
The Hospital Auxiliary raises funds for patient care and comfort. This active group is always investigating new fund raising projects and members are always needed.
Junior Volunteer Advisors
Adult volunteers act as advisors within the Junior Volunteer program to assist with training and provide support and supervision to our teen volunteers (Auxiliary membership is a requirement).
Junior Volunteers
Our teen volunteer program provides an opportunity for Grades 8-12 students to help others in their community and while doing so, gain valuable work and life experience.
Library Cart Service
Patients can choose paperback books and magazines free of charge from the mobile library cart. This service also maintains a supply of magazines in waiting areas and lounges.
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Information Desk Volunteers and Hospitality Volunteers
Working as a team, Information Desk and Hospitality Volunteers provide a caring welcome to the hospital, help visitors find their way around the hospital, deliver flowers and mail and Maternity Gift Packages to patients, handle the Lost and Found requests and provide a variety of other patient comfort services.
Out-patient Clinic Hostesses/Hosts
Patients in outpatient clinic areas such as Day Care Surgery, Medical Daycare, Ambulatory Care, Pain Clinic, Paediatrics, Cancer Clinic, Geriatric Outpatient Clinic and Emergency, benefit from the friendly attention of volunteers who provide a warm welcome and companionship.
Volunteers in the outpatient clinics also assist staff with a variety of services which allow staff to focus their time on quality patient care.
Lost and Found
Volunteers manage the collection, storage, retrieval and disposal of items turned in to our Lost and Found Service.
Paediatrics/Nursery Volunteer Visitors
Volunteers visit selected children/infants who may benefit from companionship in the absence of family and friends, as well as assisting the unit in other ways.
Friendly Visitors
Volunteers provide companionship for patients and residents both in NRGH and at Dufferin Place. This also includes volunteers from our Pet Therapy partners.
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Activities and Entertainers
Volunteers in Dufferin Place, and in some areas of NRGH where patients may be staying with us for longer periods of time, participate with clients in recreational activities such as crafts, entertainment, birthday parties, special events, etc.
Hospital Historical Display Volunteer
Volunteers manage the collection of historical artifacts for the display in the hospital’s main lobby.
Recycling Volunteers
Volunteers are involved in the collection and sorting of many recyclable products at NRGH. Many of our volunteers for this service come to us through a successful partnership with a supported work organization in the community.
Leadership Volunteers
Volunteers in leadership roles provide training and support for other volunteers.
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Special Projects Volunteers
Volunteers provide many other occasional services such as assistance within the Volunteer Resources Department itself and with hospital special events and projects.
Lifeline Volunteers
Our hospital Foundation operates the Lifeline Emergency Response service for people who are living in their own homes but are at some risk due to health concerns. Volunteers may visit clients at home to install equipment, make friendly follow up phone calls help with tasks in the office. If you are interested in volunteering with this service, please contact the Lifeline Program at 250-739-5770 or visit their website: www.nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/lifeline.
Hospice Society Volunteers
Specially trained volunteers provide comfort and companionship to patients and their families in the hospital’s Palliative Care Unit. If you are interested in volunteering with this services, please contact the Hospice society at 250-758-8857.
Community Clergy and Denominational Visitors
Volunteers from various faith groups provide assistance to the Hospital Chaplain in providing spiritual care to patients and families. If you are interested in volunteering with this service, please contact the Hospital Chaplain at 250-755-7691 Local 4022.
Nanaimo Public Health Unit
Volunteers provide assistance with Child Health Clinic and a variety of other seasonal clinics and patient teaching sessions both at the Health Unit and at other locations in the community.
Lynne Tourond
Manager, Volunteer Resources
Email Lynne.Tourond@viha.ca
Phone (250) 755-7637
mail
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
1200 Dufferin Cres.
Nanaimo, BC
V9S 2B7
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