“We are privileged at Kingston Hospital to have a community of around 400 dedicated volunteers. At any given time, we have 50-100 new volunteers awaiting placement. This requires a robust Volunteering Strategy that puts patients first and articulates how we mobilise our volunteers to make the difference where it really matters – for patient experience and care.”
Laura Shalev Greene, Head of Volunteering
Our Volunteering Strategy 2020 – 2023 reflects the very best of face-to-face volunteering and volunteering in the virtual digital space. It was developed in consultation with many stakeholders, including patient representatives, Healthwatch, the local voluntary sector and volunteers. It has been adapted under the guidance of national policy from NHS England, The NHS People Plan and Helpforce.
Highlights include consolidating what we already do well:
And, evolving what’s possible in both onsite volunteering and the online space:
Underpinning all of this is a strong volunteering function, programme of staff engagement and a strong evaluation that demonstrates the impact volunteers can have both for our patients and staff, and in their own lives. I hope that our Volunteering Strategy inspires you to join us as a volunteer, or spread the word about the rewarding and significant role that volunteers have at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. We would like to acknowledge the Trust, and the Kingston Hospital Charity for their support for our work.
