Volunteers are highly valued members of the health care team at KHSC, and they play a vital role in helping to improve the patient experience and complement the high standard of patient care provided by staff and physicians.  

During National Volunteer Week, April 14 to 20, Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) recognized and celebrated the importance of each and every volunteer’s impact. 

“Every Moment Matters, the theme for National Volunteer Week highlights the importance of every volunteer and each contribution they make,” says Alan Archer, Director, Workforce Planning and Labour Relations at KHSC. “The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, and well-being of our communities.” 

“KHSC volunteers support patients and family members throughout their health care journey. From calling to remind them of an appointment through walking them to meet their ride after a procedure, our volunteers can enhance each step of the patient experience,” says Archer. “Before the pandemic, KHSC had more than 800 volunteers and we are currently seeking people in the community who may be interested in joining our volunteers who make KHSC a warmer, more positive place for everyone who enters our sites to receive care.”  

Volunteers who directly support patients generally have hobbies or interests they would like to share such as playing music, cards, reading together, doing puzzles, crafts, or simply going for a walk.  These volunteers are guided by a genuine desire to adapt to best meet the needs of the individuals they are engaging with in that moment.  Sometimes they simply provide a warm blanket or sit quietly with an individual while their family takes a break.  

Gananoque resident Penny Huntley, says her volunteer role at KHSC has been a fulfilling way to help make a difference in the lives of others. 

“When I retired, I needed to find a sense of purpose that my previous career as a teacher had once provided, and it was initially decided that volunteering on the pediatric floor would be a great fit for me. Sometimes I would read stories and play games with children, other times I’d go for walks or do crafts. I was just there to offer some extra interaction with the children and a break to parents who might need it.

“Recently I have returned to working as a part-time supply teacher and my volunteer role has shifted to making appointment reminder calls to patients. The people in the Dermatology department that I work with have been so incredibly understanding and flexible with my volunteering schedule and have been very accommodating in allowing me to work around my supply teaching days. This has helped make volunteering at KHSC a very rewarding experience that has allowed me to give back to our community in a very satisfying way.” 

Liaison and information volunteers alleviate fear, anxiety, confusion by playing a crucial role helping people get where they need to be!  Their objective is to be accessible to anyone who is lost, overwhelmed, or confused at KHSC.  They initiate contact offering to be of assistance by providing directions, walking with someone to where they need to be, or calling for information or assistance on their
behalf. 

Individuals who volunteer in the tuck shop, gift shop or lottery booth contribute to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere and make a tangible difference in people’s hospital experiences.  If you enjoy meeting new people, helping them find the perfect gift or product, making small talk and providing a listening ear in addition to a cup of coffee or lotto ticket, this is the role for you.  Not only will you feel great about providing this highly appreciated service, but the profits raised from these businesses are donated back to the hospital to enhance the care patients receive.  

 “Volunteer roles are determined based on the volunteer’s skills, experience, talents and availability,” says Archer. “We appreciate that people have busy lives, and we offer flexible scheduling including weekday, evening and weekend options that can vary anywhere from one to four hours weekly depending on the needs of the program.” 

 As a volunteer, Penny appreciates the scheduling flexibility. “Over recent years, my volunteer role has been making reminder calls to patients, and I have returned to working as a part-time supply teacher. The people in the Dermatology department that I work with have been so incredibly understanding and flexible with my volunteering schedule and have been very accommodating in allowing me to work around my supply teaching days. This has helped to make volunteering at KHSC a very rewarding experience that has allowed me to give back to our community in a very satisfying way.” 

KHSC recently refined its application and orientation processes which results in a streamlined experience for volunteers. Virtual volunteer information sessions are offered that include an overview of the patients and families we serve, and the roles in which volunteers support our patients, families, staff and visitors. 

 Applicants receive an invitation to attend the information session as soon as they apply, or people can sign up to attend if they would like more information before they decide whether they would like to apply. 

 To learn more about KHSC volunteer opportunities or to sign up for an information session, visit the Working and Volunteering page at
www.kingstonhsc.ca.