Volunteering at CMH can help you learn about working in health care, while providing a very valuable service to your community.

• Greet hospital patients and visitors.
• Remind all visitors to wash their hands with the sanitizer upon entering and exiting the hospital.
• Give directions and escort patients and visitors based on request from the Information Desk.
• When time permits Ambassadors will ensure that there are wheelchairs at the main entrances.

The Gift Shop is one of the Volunteer Association's revenue generating services. If you enjoy retail sales and public interaction, this is for you.

Volunteers in the Diagnostic Imaging department can be found in Ultrasound, Ontario Breast Screening Clinic, Fracture Clinic, X-ray and CAT Scan. Volunteers greet patients, make up bags and provide directions.

HELP volunteers help maintain the cognitive, physical and emotional well-being of older patients who are admitted to hospital from home or retirement home.

Volunteers create a friendly environment by providing support, encouragement, and companionship to our older patient. The volunteer will provide assistance from the four main protocols of HELP.

• Orientation – visiting and socialization to prevent mental confusion during hospitalization by reviewing the patient’s orientation board.
• Meal Assistance – assisting with set up of the meal and providing companionship to increase intake and hydration throughout the day.
• Early Mobilization – assistance with walking and/or range of motion exercises to prevent deconditioning.
• Therapeutic Activities – activities to keep patients cognitively stimulated during hospitalization to prevent a decline in cognition.

The Information Desk volunteer is often the first person visitors come into contact with when walking through the main entrance of the hospital. They are there to give visitors directions and general information. To become an Information Desk volunteer you must have customer service, computer and telephone experience.

The Recovery Room Shop is a seconds store operated by the CMH Volunteer Association, located in downtown Galt.

• Serve and assist customers
• Straighten clothing racks
• Put out new merchandise on floor
• Tag and stamp clothing for sale
• Sort donations

Volunteers within this Program are a part of the CMHVA with the support of the Canadian Cancer Society.  These Volunteers help support patients as they receive treatment. Our knowledgeable volunteers can help provide directions, sit with patients while they wait or receive treatment; they also provide comfort and refreshments. Medical Day Care volunteers provide information about the Canadian Cancer Society and other services patients can access, both at the clinic and in the community.

• Greet donors and other visitors to the Foundation
• Open and sort the mail and donations
• Take donation over the phone and be able to process credit card transactions
• Assist with general office duties as required
• Make calls to donors to thank them for donation

Spiritual Care Volunteers provide non-denominational support to patients who request it. Volunteers are referred from their congregation. They receive specific training through the Spiritual Care Services at CMH. Volunteers share their faith and support individuals and families in need. Read more about this service at CMH.

The first step to joining our team is to complete the Volunteer Application Package. The Application Package can be downloaded by clicking on the "Volunteer Application" link. During normal operations, it may also be picked up at the Information Desk within the Main Entrance of the Hospital (Wing A, Level 1). During provincial lockdowns, applicants may only access the Volunteer Package virtually or by contacting the Coordinator of Volunteer Services directly. 

Volunteer Application

Application Package

Prospective volunteers must complete the application package, including 2 references which must be provided, signed and completed.  Family members may not be a reference and your reference must have known you for greater than six (6) months.

Ways to submit your application:

• Use an App to scan and send (‘Lens’ – is a free Microsoft option) 
• Take a photo and send  
• Deliver in person to our Information Desk in the Main Lobby

Screening

• All applicants are screened by Volunteer Services. As part of the screening process, volunteers will have a health review which includes a two step T.B. skin test.
• All successful candidates must provide proof of two COVID19 vaccinations. 

Interview

• Volunteer Services will interview, select and place volunteers
• Volunteers are placed according to the needs of the Hospital, patients, and families as well as the volunteer's interests and skill level

Orientation

• All volunteers must attend a general orientation session 
• Sessions are offered on the second Thursday of every month from 4-6:30pm 

NOTE: With COVID19 restrictions, orientations are currently taking place virtually. 

• Minimum age to volunteer is 16 years old.
• Minimum commitment of 6 months.

Health Screening

All volunteers are required to complete a 2-step TB skin test and communicable disease assessment.  This is a requirement under the Ontario Public Hospitals Act. It is for the protection of our patients as well as for yourself.  Our Health, Safety and Wellness team will need to know your immune status for Chicken Pox, Tuberculosis and other common communicable diseases. Blood tests may be required.  At the time of your interview, we will discuss your Health Screening.  Prospective volunteers without an Ontario Health Card may incur costs to complete their health screening.  

In addition to the standard medical clearance, all new employees, physicians, medical professional staff and volunteers, as a condition of working at CMH, are required to be vaccinated for COVID19, having received 2 valid doses of COVID vaccine, and provide proof of their vaccination status.

Volunteers working between the months of October to March are encouraged to receive an annual influenza vaccination, available at the hospital, free of charge.

Criminal Record Checks
As part of the screening process, a Police Records Check must be completed, after your meeting with Volunteer Services. Cambridge Memorial Hospital provides services to people who are considered a vulnerable population and for this reason, a Police Records Check (PRC) is necessary.  All volunteers over the age of 18 must have a PRC completed before being placed. The PRC must be dated within 3 months of your volunteer interview.  The cost of the Police Records Check is the responsibility of the applicant. All information will be handled with the strictest confidence for your respect and privacy. Instructions for completing a criminal reference check will be discussed at your placement interview.

Uniform
Volunteers must wear a volunteer vest & name tag at all times when on duty.  Volunteers must follow the dress code as outlined in the Volunteer Handbook.  Appropriate clothing is neat, safe and respectful of the patients, staff and visitors.  The hospital is a scent-free environment.