If you make your way through the halls and patient units of the William Osler Health Centre, chances are you will spot many individuals outfitted in bright blue wherever you go. You may see them working diligently to help a visitor, comfort a patient, or act as an extra pair of hands for staff. These friendly people are the hospital's volunteers.

Volunteers are members of our community and valued members of William Osler Health Centre’s care team. They work in a variety of patient care areas such as the Emergency Department, Day Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, Dialysis and Palliative Care, providing comfort and support to patients, families and staff. Volunteers assist with patient feeding, ice water delivery and clerical support. They also staff the Information Desks to aid patients and visitors with hospital information and wayfinding. 

William Osler Health Centre’s Volunteer Association is also an important contributor to hospital fundraising. Through proceeds from the gift shops, vendor sales and other initiatives, volunteers raise much needed dollars to purchase hospital capital equipment.

Adult and student volunteer programs are available. There are several steps involved in becoming a volunteer. All volunteers receive thorough training and attend a hospital orientation to help understand the responsibilities and learn the duties as a volunteer.

Pick up an application form at the Volunteer and Community Resources offices located at Brampton Civic Hospital and Etobicoke General Hospital. Visit our website at www.williamoslerhc.on.ca for more details on becoming a hospital volunteer.

Why volunteer?
Volunteers at the hospital have the opportunity to:

• explore career opportunities
• broaden their social horizons
• earn required volunteer hours
• gain work and life experience
• benefit from the intrinsic rewards of helping other in need.

We also offer scholarship awards to graduating students entering post secondary education, as well as providing references for those pursuing personal goals.

There are many opportunities to become involved in leadership roles, join committees, or to take part in social recognition events - all of which make volunteering at Osler that much more enjoyable.

Volunteers help in many ways
Volunteers are involved in a wide variety of service areas within the hospital. Check out the Placement Opportunties page for the specific site you are interested in to find out more.

When deciding where you want to be a volunteer, it may be helpful to think about the following questions.

• How much/ little patient contact do I prefer?
• How flexible is my schedule
• What type of duties would I find rewarding?
• What type of environment do I want to spend time in?
• What area or type of duties would probably NOT suit my interests or my personality?