Become a volunteer
From helping with day-to-day activities in our office and fundraising at our events, to supporting patients and providing assistance to hospital departments; volunteers play an important role in helping us raise vital funds.
If you would like to help make a difference in the lives of our patients, register your interest below.
Heartfelt moments through music
Our volunteers Spike and Narelle bring the joy of music to patients in Toowoomba Hospital through the Eat Walk Engage program.
The program helps to improves care for older people in hospital by encouraging adequate nutrition, early and frequent mobility, and meaningful engagement.
With the help of volunteers, the program is able to help patients connect and engage as well as enhance the atmosphere of the wards.
“It is truly remarkable to see the power and positive impact that music has for the patients. It is heartwarming to see a patient smiling and singing along to the music, feeling connected.”
Sue, Eat Walk Engage Program
Our volunteer opportunities
Administrative Assistance
Assist with a variety of non-designated administrative tasks in a range of departments within Darling Downs Health and Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. Volunteers assist by providing support to both administration and clinical staff, assist with the Clive Berghofer Toowoomba Hospital Accommodation and general office tasks, and offer a listening ear and a friendly face to patients, families, and staff.
Guiding Stars – Wayfinding
As a Guiding Star you will help people visiting the Toowoomba Hospital get to where they are needed. Your welcoming presence and helpful guidance will ensure that everyone reaches their destination promptly, whether it's an appointment, a specific ward, or a much-needed coffee break.
Buggy Driver
With your great sense of direction, you will safely pick up staff, patients and family members and drive them to various locations around the Toowoomba Hospital campus on our golf buggy.
Library Service
As a Library volunteer your love of books will shine as you curate a selection of books to be offered to patients. Our mobile loan service means you will visit lots of different wards of the Toowoomba Hospital to provide books to patients young and old.
Courier Service
Assist staff with the collection and delivery of mail and small parcel items throughout the Toowoomba Hospital. You’ll also be there to provide support and guidance to visitors and assistance to staff where needed.
Event Volunteers
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation runs various fundraising events throughout the year and it makes a world of difference with volunteers to help us raise vital funds. From helping with the lead up work like wrapping gifts or preparing goody bags, to cooking at BBQ’s, selling raffle tickets or helping guests on the day, there is something for everyone.
Museum Volunteers
From behind-the-scenes tasks to hands-on projects, you'll contribute to the growth and development of the Museum of Health. Play a key role in caring for and managing our collection, ensuring that the stories of our health history are preserved for generations to come.
Cancer Care
Our Cancer Care volunteers provide comfort and support to our patients going through one of the most challenging times of their life. From offering companionship during long hours of chemotherapy to assisting staff, you’ll be a friendly face and a caring hand to patients.
Gift Shop
Our Wellbean Co Gift Shop at Toowoomba Hospital sells a variety of gifts and convenience items for patients and visitors. Volunteers will need to be able to have money handling abilities and to keep the gift shop neat and tidy.
Breast Screen
Our Breast Screen Clinic volunteers help provide support to women from across the Darling Downs visiting the clinic. Whether it’s a routine check or something more challenging, our volunteers are there to be a listening ear and assist staff.
Eat, Walk and Engage
The Eat, Walk and Engage volunteers support program staff to assist our older patients in wards MU1 and MU2 to engage in meaningful interactions. Volunteers in these wards will provide companionship by playing board and card games, reading a book, music therapy, helping with meals, and engaging in conversations.
Recycling Pickup
Help Toowoomba Hospital reduce waste by assisting the Foundation with their patient water bottle recycling program. By collecting used water bottles from across the hospital not only will you be helping the environment but you’ll also be helping to raise funds for medical equipment, resources, and patient programs through Containers for Change.
FAQS
What are the conditions of becoming a Volunteer with the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation?
Volunteers must possess the ability to gain an understanding of and adhere to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation volunteer services policies and procedures. We require volunteers to possess an ability to interact in a team, use initiative, take direction and work effectively with limited supervision.
Below are our conditions of becoming a volunteer.
- If you are volunteering in the health service programs you must be at least 18 years of age
- Criminal history check to be completed by Volunteer Manager
- Ability to provide documentary evidence of vaccination or immunity for specified vaccine preventable diseases. Should you not have this evidence, you will be required to have a blood test and follow up with immunisations. This can be completed at Baillie Henderson Hospital and arranged by Volunteer Manager
- Ability to interact in a team
- Good communication skills
- Ability to understand and respect confidentiality
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries
What steps are involved to become a volunteer?
Step One: Register Your Interest
The first step is register your interest to volunteer here.
Step Two: Interview with Volunteer Manager
You will be contacted by our Volunteer Manager for an interview.
Step Three: Compliance
We conduct a police and criminal history check on all volunteers before they can start.
Step Four: Vaccinations
You will need to provide evidence of your current vaccinations. Ff they are not up-to-date or you are unsure of your vaccination history our Volunteer Manager will arrange an appointment with the Darling Downs Health Public Health Team.
Step Five: Training
You will need to complete a few online safety training modules before you are ready to start, such as Fire Safety and Evacuation, Infection Control, and read and agree to our volunteer policies.
How long does the application process take?
The process can take up to four weeks to ensure your suitability to volunteer with Toowoomba Hospital Foundation and within Darling Downs Health Service. We want to ensure the right people are equipped with the right training to provide the best support.
How often do I have to volunteer?
We ask for regular attendance when working at the hospital and require a minimum commitment of six months.
“With myself still a bit fuzzy from my op and my wife unable to walk any distance due to her arthritis issues, we could not thank this man enough for his kindness… this man and people like him should be cloned, they are few and far between these days. Very well done indeed.”
Patient of Toowoomba Hospital about Doug the volunteer buggy driver
“Their presence lightens the mood and makes things feel better on the ward. Thank you to the Foundation for connecting us, and thank you to David, Jenny, Carmel and Lee for your cheery presence and support for Eat Walk Engage.”
Sue Swanson, Facilitator of EWE – Toowoomba Hospital
“It is truly remarkable to see the power and positive impact that music has for the patients. It is heartwarming to see a patient smiling and singing along to the music, feeling connected.”
Sue | Facilitator of EWE – Toowoomba Hospital
“Volunteering is part in parcel of our business and a lot of our events. It’s something that we’ve always done as long as I can remember and we don’t see that ending anytime soon.”
Anita | Fitzy’s Toowoomba – Event Volunteer
“I find I get so much out of it and it’s good for the heart too.”
Maralyn | Fitzy’s Toowoomba – Event Volunteer
How to get involved
If you would love to get involved with volunteering with Toowoomba Hospital Foundation click on Get Started to fill out our online application form.
