We have 250 registered volunteers at MCHFT, aged from 16 to 80-plus who are based over our three sites (Leighton Hospital, Victoria Infirmary Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre). Volunteers provide a valuable resource, which enhances care by giving practical help and support to our patients, visitors and staff.
Please Note
Volunteering is a long-term commitment. We ask for a minimum of two to three hours per week for at least six months.
If you are looking for work experience, please click here.
Please click below to read some of our frequently asked questions and find our more about our voluntary services.
Applications are now closed. Our current volunteering opportunities will be posted on the MCHFT website under 'Current Vacancies' on the work for us page.
There are many reasons why people want to volunteer, including:
- To make new friends and meet new people
- To help others
- To use your skills, experience and knowledge
- To enhance your CV and support job and university applications
- To contribute to the community
- To gain confidence
- To learn new skills or experience in a health care setting
- To keep active
MCHFT offers a variety of volunteer roles. All are non-clinical and complement the work of our paid staff. The roles include:
- Helping on the wards, including serving refreshments and assisting at meal times and chatting to patients
- Meet and greet in main reception
- Help with enquiries, directing and signposting visitors and patients
- Supporting our busy Pharmacy team
- Support with garden projects
- Help with various administration and clerical roles
We provide comprehensive induction training using eLearning and supported first shifts, to help you provide the best service possible and get the most out of your volunteering. Through regular contact, we will ensure you are happy in your role and have opportunities to develop. Volunteers at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust gain confidence, make new friends, learn new skills and enjoy the experience of working in a hospital setting. Some of our volunteers progress to employment within the Trust and can become a member of the Trust. We encourage all volunteers to participate in the Trust’s activities.
Car parking is free for volunteers, we can reimburse mileage to a maximum of 25 miles per return journey and all volunteers are supplied with uniform (polo shirt).
Please contact Voluntary Services at volunteer@mcht.nhs.uk, or call 01270 612311.
Volunteers must be aged 16 or above, there is no upper age limit for applications. We do not ask for formal qualifications - simply that you are friendly, caring, approachable and reliable. You must be willing to commit to volunteer with us for at least two to three hours a week for six months and undergo the relevant recruitment checks and mandatory training. Before you can take up a volunteer role, shortlisted applicants are invited to an informal interview. If successful through this process, all volunteers complete the Trust’s mandatory training and any role-specific training that is required. We also carry out required clearances including references, Occupational Health check and DBS check.
Swan Volunteers - end of life volunteer service
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is proud to be working in partnership with the Anne Robson charity to create an end of life volunteer service. The charity enables hospitals to set up and run teams of Swan Volunteers to provide bedside companionship to patients on the ward in their final days and hours, and emotional support to the patients’ visitors. The work these volunteers do is vital in supporting people facing the end of their life and those around them. To learn more about the service and referrals in your hospital contact Lorraine, on lorraine.Burgess@mcht.nhs.uk.
The Anne Robson Trust also runs a telephone support service. If you or someone close to you is dying, you can call 0808 801 0688 and leave a message and they will reply on the same, or by the next working day. All UK calls are free and confidential.
Visit www.annerobsontrust.org.uk for more details about the charity.
Reg Charity No: 1178352
Royal Voluntary Service (RVS)
RVS volunteers help in their tea bar, located in the Outpatients Department at Leighton Hospital and Northwich Infirmary. Please contact Phil Glover on 07930 287413 or email phil.glover@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.
