Volunteering in hospitals

Royal Voluntary Service has been there for the NHS since the beginning - and we’re looking for determined people to keep this legacy going.

When you offer your compassion, commitment and skills as a hospital volunteer, you’re helping to improve a patient’s experience, support their recovery and ensure that they can return home safely, ultimately reducing the chance of them being readmitted.

You can also offer help to staff and visitors by volunteering in one of our Royal Voluntary Service Hospital Shops or Cafés.

What’s more, we have a wide range of hospital volunteer opportunities to match your talents.

If you haven't tackled anything quite like this before, don't worry. We have an experienced team of people who specialise in voluntary work in hospitals and can help you make the most of your time with us. They’ll be ready to guide you through the whole process with plenty of support, showing you how to volunteer at a hospital and answering all of your questions, such as - what do volunteers do in hospitals?
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Hospital Shops & Cafés

As one of the Britain’s largest hospital retailers, our volunteers help out in Hospital Shops and Cafés across England, Wales and Scotland.

Our Hospital Shop and Café volunteers not only serve people snacks and drinks and sell newspapers and gifts but also take the time to chat and listen to visitors, patients and hospital staff.

Meet & Greet

Our Meet and Greet service helps to make the hospital experience that little bit easier.

You’ll welcome outpatients and visitors, helping them navigate their way around a hospital and provide some much-needed support for hospital staff.

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Patient Transport

If someone finds using public transport difficult or has mobility issues, our hospital Patient Transport service gives people an easy way to get to and from hospital and GP appointments.

You’ll offer people an easy door-to-door service, giving them some much-needed independence and companionship.