Volunteers

Our team of over 150 motivated volunteers not only completes our picture, but also that of our patients. They are an indispensable link in our daily operations and in our pursuit of experience. Would you like to make sense of your free time and be part of a punishing team? Then be sure to read on. A warm heart for our patients is your greatest motivation.

We are always looking for punishing volunteers

Who can become a volunteer?

A warm heart for our patients is your greatest motivation.

In addition, you meet the following criteria:

you are over 18 years of age
you have a command of the Dutch language
you commit yourself on a regular basis
you respect the professional confidentiality inherent to the job

Where can you work as a volunteer?

Volunteers are used with an eye on the experience of the patient, family and visitor. They are a great asset to any department. You will find our volunteers at every site and in different departments. During an introductory meeting, mutual expectations, possibilities and interests are explored. Would you like intensive contact with patients or would you rather not? You decide what kind of tasks you want to perform.

"I would like to mean something to others. I therefore go to the allergy centre in Gentbrugge every week with great gusto."
Geertrui, volunteer in Gentbrugge

"Being able to help, guide and inform people gives me great satisfaction in many aspects."
Marina, volunteer in Deinze

"The contact with patients is so rewarding. I come back home full of energy, even after a very busy morning."
Katty, volunteer Ghent

Frequently asked questions

How often do we expect you?

We expect you to attend at least twice a month and preferably in blocks of four hours.

What are the possible tasks?

Assistance with meal events, water and coffee dispensing.
Support in transporting patients.
Offering a listening ear, a chat or information to the patient and/or family.
Being present with the patient and/or accompanying the patient to an examination or consultation.
Small tasks: typing phone number, pouring glass of water, shopping, offering reading material ...
Showing and informing directions in the room (e.g. the call system: TV, radio ...).
Escorting and helping patients and family to and from the car park on discharge or admission.
Logistical tasks: restocking, labelling, collection distribution, kitchen, etc.
Helping to decorate the department according to an annual theme and activities around and with the (geriatric) patient.
Participating in all kinds of (temporary) projects.
Supporting tours, events and projects.
Other tasks: replenishing leaflets, sorting, making folders, playing extras on photos or at film shoots, surveys, questioning.

And so much more!

What can you expect from us?

An exciting and meaningful customised time commitment. You will join a new team with many committed people.

You will get a lot in return for your efforts as a volunteer: appreciation, gratitude and a warm working environment with great colleagues.

We also offer:

Interesting offer of training and education. Welcome day at the start.
Free meal and coffee in the restaurant on volunteer days.
Free parking on the days you work as a volunteer. You can also use the bicycle parking for employees.
A free flu vaccine.
Reimbursement of your transport costs on the days you volunteer or when you attend mandatory training.
Insurance for bodily injury in case of accidents and civil liability.
An annual party for volunteers and an invitation to all other events for employees.
You can enjoy a number of interesting discounts through Benefits at Work.

Can you also volunteer for a short period of time?

Unfortunately, we cannot respond to requests for temporary volunteering. We want to properly guide and train new volunteers and this requires a lot of commitment. We are therefore looking for people who can make a long-term commitment.

Can you volunteer on weekends?

Yes, provided you are also working during the week.

On the nursing wards, duties continue as usual at weekends. In some other departments, no work is done on weekends.

Can I volunteer when I receive benefits?

You will have to apply in advance to volunteer. This requires specific documents to be signed by you and by our organisation. We will be happy to help you with this.

"I give every day, but I get much more; the gratitude of patients, staff and doctors is invaluable to me."
René, volunteer geriatrics and all-round

"I enjoy having contact with colleagues, and in my case I have the best. I do it with a lot of love and commitment, and given my age, I hope for a long time to come."
Monique, volunteer reception