NHSGGC’s Volunteering Policy clearly states that ‘volunteers exist to complement the work of paid employees and will not substitute paid employment’ and Unison are well aware of this longstanding policy.
Volunteers already provide an excellent befriending and support service in many of our inpatient departments.
Unfortunately the wording of the request for volunteers in the RAH A&E is inaccurate and misleading. Volunteers will offer a befriending service in A&E which may include ‘accompanying’ patients who are on their own and require to be taken by our paid staff to X-ray and providing general information and support to patients and relatives at what can be a stressful and anxious time.
It must be stressed that the request for volunteers at the RAH is not to supplement any NHS role but to complement the work of our staff in accident and emergency (A&E) departments.
ENDS
For further information either telephone 0141 201 4429 or email press.office@ggc.scot.nhs.uk