Unions back Mail’s volunteer campaign

UNIONS yesterday threw their backing behind the Mail’s campaign to recruit more volunteers to the NHS.

The Royal College of Nursing and Unison agreed that volunteers have a vital role to play in supporting staff – and patients – in hospital and the wider community.

Unison, alongside other trade unions, is now working with the charity Helpforce to draw up a special agreement on the role of volunteers within the health service. This follows their growing presence in the NHS, currently at around 78,000, which the Christmas appeal hopes to significantly increase.

The ‘memorandum of understanding’ is being created to clarify the relationship between staff and those who offer their time for free.

Health bosses hope the charter will allay any concerns that volunteers are undermining the work of salaried and trained employees.

The unions, which represent staff across the service, say it will lead to more clearly defined roles for all.

It will also highlight the role volunteers play in improving the hospital experience for patients and their families. Sara Gorton, head of health at Unison, said: ‘Volunteers provide valuable support to the NHS, from fundraising to keeping patients company. It’s important though they’re given appropriate tasks, not just used as substitutes for paid healthcare staff. That’s why we’re pleased to be developing this charter with Helpforce.

‘The hope is this will build respect between volunteers and NHS workers, and boost their relationship. That means everyone will benefit.’

Dame Donna Kinnair, of the RCN, said: ‘Volunteers make an outstanding contribution to the health service, making a difference to the lives of staff and patients, and were rightly recognised alongside nurses throughout this year’s “NHS at 70” celebrations. The NHS must always be careful to use volunteers appropriately, especially when the frontline struggles with severe staff shortages.

‘While volunteers can never replace qualified staff or carry out any aspect of their professional work, there are many fulfilling ways in which volunteers can contribute.

‘Properly coordinated staff and volunteer teams will help vulnerable patients get extra support when they need it.’