New Report Highlights How Volunteers Help Reduce Pressure on NHS Frontline Staff
A recent report by Health Improvement Scotland has revealed the crucial role that volunteers in hospitals play in reducing pressure on NHS frontline staff and improving patient experiences.
The Role of Volunteers in Hospitals
Volunteers help alleviate the burden on NHS staff, enabling them to prioritize clinical care while enhancing patient wellbeing.
In early 2024, a pilot survey was conducted to gather insights from NHS staff working alongside volunteers in various wards and departments. The survey received 251 responses from staff across 46 locations within five NHS boards in Scotland, with results showing overwhelmingly positive feedback on the contributions of volunteers.
Key Findings:
- 99% of NHS staff expressed strong support for involving volunteers, noting the value they bring in freeing up time for clinical tasks and improving the overall patient experience.
- 84% of staff reported spending less than 30 minutes per day supporting volunteers, demonstrating that it requires minimal time investment for significant benefits.
- 69% of staff experienced reduced stress levels due to the assistance of volunteers.
- 26% of respondents indicated that volunteers positively impacted their mental health and overall wellbeing at work.
- Improvements in patient care quality, patient wellbeing, and communication between staff and patients were also noted as key benefits of volunteer involvement.
One respondent shared:
“Investing time in supporting volunteers with simple tasks allows us to focus on diagnostics. Volunteers provide tremendous support to our service.”
The Response from Staff:
Many staff members acknowledged that volunteers help with non-clinical tasks, which enables them to concentrate more fully on patient care. Volunteers also play a vital role in offering support to patients and their families. Staff members indicated that they contribute by offering volunteers recognition, feedback, task allocation, and induction, ensuring that volunteers are well-prepared to support hospital teams effectively.
Looking Ahead:
The report outlines several key recommendations, including increasing survey participation, widely sharing the findings, and conducting the survey annually to track the ongoing impact of volunteers.
Regular surveys help demonstrate the positive influence that hospital volunteers have on health outcomes, supporting the case for continued investment in volunteer programs.
Get Involved:
- Interested in volunteering? Visit Volunteering Wales to explore opportunities.
- Looking to support volunteers? A variety of resources, guidance, and support are available for those working with or considering involving volunteers.
For more information on the role of volunteers in health and social care in Wales, visit the WCVA Health and Care Project page.
This initiative is supported by the NHS Scotland Volunteering Programme Team and is part of the NHS Scotland Volunteer Impact Series.
You can read the full report here.