Volunteering contributes to the NHS in many ways including
High Quality Care for Patients and the Public
1.improving patient satisfaction and providing support to ‘flu friends’ in planning for the ‘flu pandemic
34.The Prevention Package for Older People will improve falls and fracture services – many volunteers support individuals in falls prevent exercises by exercising with them, either at home or in group settings.
46.Breastfeeding is a vital part of a healthy start for babies and many women are helped to breastfeed by volunteers who have previously successfully breastfed their own children
51.In working towards ‘world class commissioners’ PCTs will to fully engage the public as citizens, another form of volunteering in health settings.
52.Commissioners and providers will want to work in partnership to implement systems that respond to the views and experiences of patients…The opportunities to have near real-time experience of patients’ experience – again these patients are volunteers, and often feed their comments through volunteers
57.PCTs should work with NHS organisations, other contracted healthcare providers, local authorities and other local organisations to put plans in place to enable an effective response to major incidents – often existing volunteers within the NHS can be part of the resources for that plan.
73.On occasion, people find themselves vulnerable to the challenges of society…. The NHS has a role to play with its partners in providing services relative to need, supporting people to contribute to society and live fulfilled lives.Volunteers may be part of that package of support and can help reflect the diversity of the local community
Enabling High Quality Care across the NHS
4.Patient centre care means organising services around patients, meeting their clinical needs, working in partnership and treating them with dignity and respect.It means providing timely and convenient services that prevent – as well as manage or cure – ill- health.Volunteers often work with podiatrists to cut patients toe-nails and check for warning signs of more serious conditions.It helps keep patients ambulant and means that they are quickly referred on if anything serious arises.
23.PCTs should continue to develop their Expert Patient Programme – delivered by volunteers.
44.We must also ensure that our workforce is empowered to deliver innovative and pioneering healthcare.Of the workforce required to provide NHS care over the next ten years, 600 percent have already entered employment.Many people volunteer to gain experience to work in health care, and use their volunteering experience to make more informed career choices.
Investing in Quality
33.Specific additional efficiencies including
The development of a more transparent system of workforce planning and training that ensures value for money and ensures the adequate and flexible supply of clinical staff in the future.
This should recognise the role of volunteering as a means of recruiting individuals to the health workforce, and also includes relevant training for existing volunteers.
