Volunteer – FAQs

Have a question? Review the FAQs below or Contact Us.

• Do I need a police vulnerable sector check?

  Anyone over the age of 19 must provide a current (dated within the past 6 months) Police Vulnerable Sector Check. Authorization letters for a Police Vulnerable Sector Check will be provided after a successful interview. Learn about Guelph Police - Vulnerable Sector Check.

• What is the commitment?

  Volunteers at Guelph General Hospital provide quality and continuous support to patients, visitors and staff. Your volunteer shift will be on the same day, at the same time, in the same area every week. Guelph General Hospital offers a variety of commitment options, listed below, in order to provide something for everyone.

• What is year round volunteering?

  Guelph General Hospital offers year round, weekly placements for volunteers who are able to commit to one year of volunteering. Applications are accepted anytime of the year. Volunteer Application

• Do you place all volunteers who apply?

  We do our best to place everyone who is interviewed. The more flexible someone’s schedule is, the easier it may be to find a suitable placement for him/her. Successful completion of the application and interview process does not guarantee a volunteer placement. Final volunteer placement is at the discretion of Volunteer Resources.

• Will volunteering lead to employment at GGH?

  Volunteer Resources offers volunteer positions. Volunteering will always enhance a resume, but volunteering at GGH does not guarantee a paid position at the hospital.   You can click here for information on potential employment opportunities and requirements for paid positions.

• Can I shadow a health care professional?

  Please contact Organizational Development at 519-837-6440 x 2873 for more information on the shadowing process.

• I am a foreign trained professional. Am I able to volunteer these skills in the hospital?

  No. Volunteers are here to provide non-medical support for staff, patients and visitors and must only do the tasks listed on the approved volunteer position descriptions. Any tasks that a member of a licensed or regulated profession (ie: physician, pharmacist, nurse etc.) can legally perform, are not included in approved volunteer position descriptions.

• Can I observe medical procedures or help with medical treatments as a volunteer?

  No. Volunteers are here to provide non-medical support for staff, patients and visitors. Volunteering in the hospital will not allow any opportunity to practice or develop clinical or technical skills. As a result, there is very limited contact with physicians or opportunities to observe medical procedures.

• What if I want to change volunteer positions or take on another position?

  Contact Volunteer Resources to see what positions are currently available, the skills required for the position and the time of the position.

• What if I am sick, on vacation or have exams?

  All volunteer positions have schedules which provide all of the necessary contact information and steps to follow if you have to miss a shift.

• I am in college/university. What happens if my schedule changes?

  We ask that you let us know as soon as possible when your schedule changes. We will work with you to do the best we can to move you into a different shift in the same area. If that is not possible, we will move you into another area that will work with your schedule.

• Why does the volunteer application process take so long?

  In addition to ensuring that we are putting patient, staff and volunteer safety first, we also want to ensure that you are fully prepared to take on the role of your volunteer position.

• How long does the application process take before I can start to volunteer?

  After your interview, it is up to you how long the process takes. The sooner you start the process to get your Police Vulnerable Sector Check and start gathering your immunization information, the sooner you can start. The average time from the interview to when a volunteer is able to start training is 6-8 weeks. A two-step TB tests takes at least two weeks for a total of 4 appointments; arranging blood work and receiving the results can take 2-3 weeks and a Police Vulnerable Sector Check can take anywhere from three weeks to as long as 120 days if fingerprinting is required.

• How will I know if my application form has been received and is being considered?

  Volunteer Resources reviews all application packages as they arrive. If you haven’t heard from us within two weeks of submitting your application package, please email us at volunteers@gghorg.ca.

• Do you have volunteers in every area of the hospital?

  No. There are some areas of the hospital that do not offer volunteer opportunities, such as pharmacy, food services, security, housekeeping, engineering and the supplies area. If you have a specific volunteer area in mind that is not listed on the application package, please contact Volunteer Resources before completing the application.

• Am I able to volunteer in any area I want?

  We place the most suitable volunteer in each position. Our decision of where to place a volunteer is based on the availability and qualifications of the volunteer, our scheduling needs, and the skills required for each position.

• Do I have to wear a Uniform/ID badge?

  Yes. Volunteers must purchase a scrub shirt ($20) or a vest ($25). All volunteers receive an ID badge at no charge.

• What are the immunization requirements to volunteer?

  The Ontario Public Hospitals Act, mandates that everyone working or volunteering must comply with GGH’s Immunization and Surveillance Policy, which is based on Ontario Hospital Association Communicable Disease Surveillance Protocol. These steps are in place to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone in the hospital. You will receive the Health Review Immunization Form after a successful interview. It can take up to 6-8 weeks to fulfill the requirements of the Health Review Immunization Form. This form can be completed by your family doctor. If you do not have a family doctor, it can be completed by a doctor at a walk in clinic. If you are a post-secondary student, it can be completed by a doctor at your school’s health center. Click here for the detailed immunization requirements. Volunteer Resources is not able to provide reimbursement for any of the charges that you may incur in order to complete the necessary documentation and immunization requirements.