1. Can I complete my 2 week work experience placement at
Addenbrooke’s?
Yes you can. There are a range of administration placements available
for year 10 / 11 students, organised by the Learning Centre on
01223 216687. Unfortunately we do not allow this age group to
work in clinics or wards, or alongside clinical staff. This is
why we introduced the “Young Person’s Volunteer Experience”.
Due to overwhelming demand for experience at the Hospital, and
with fewer departments willing to accept students on a one off
basis, we can no longer arrange any other clinical experience
for students.
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2. Where will I be placed and what will I be doing?
Participants can expect to be placed in the same role, on the
same ward or clinic each week. Here they will have the opportunity
to observe the day to day running of the department as well as
be involved in improving the patient experience by chatting to
patients and making their stay more enjoyable by fulfilling their
volunteer role. They may also be asked to help in some clerical
tasks.
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3. Can I change the location of my placement if I do not
like it?
Only under unusual circumstances will participants be able to
move from a department during the first term, so be sure to complete
the application form fully and give as much information as possible.
This will enable us to find you an appropriate department. Should
you decide to continue volunteering with us after one term, you
will be given the opportunity to get involved in a different department
/ role.
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4. Can I leave if I do not like it?
You are under no obligation to keep volunteering for a department
that you are unhappy in. However, it is always worth talking to
somebody about your concerns before you decide to resign. Due
to the amount of preparation work and support participants receive
on the programme, we are unable to endorse or accredit participants
that do not complete a whole term.
The Voluntary Services Team at Addenbrooke’s is happy to
talk to you about your concerns at any time.
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5. Do I need special skills or experience and will I need
training?
Enthusiasm and commitment are usually the main requirement, although
participants need to be mature in their outlook and respectful
of the environment they are in. Working in a hospital can be demanding,
both emotionally and in the terms of the workload, and as a result
our volunteers have to have a high level of commitment to helping
others.
Participants will receive a general and local induction, along
with an up to date handbook and regular supervision throughout
the placement.
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6. I am from a local school - will I automatically get a
place on the scheme when I apply?
Success is subject to certain conditions. These include successful
interview, references and recommendation from your school or college,
Criminal Record Bureau and Occupational Health checks. Local students
are given priority, after which a first come / first served basis
will apply, so we recommend you complete your application well
in advance (at least 3 months).
A completed application form is not a guarantee of a placement
and staff in the Voluntary Services Team reserve the right to
turn down applicants should they decide they are not suitable
for a placement within the Hospital.
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7. Do I have to be an A* student to apply?
No, we are interested in supporting applicants who have a positive
attitude and a commitment to getting the most out of their placement
with us. A genuine interest in the hospital, health matters and
supporting patients is a must.
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8. If I am successful how quickly can I start?
The programme runs from the beginning of each term. We are unable
to start students mid term.
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9. Can I spend some time with Doctors?
Participants will come across Doctors in their departments, but
will not be able to observe them while they treat patients due
to confidentiality and health and safety boundaries. The purpose
of your role is to support the department through voluntary activity,
and enhance the patient experience.
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10. What’s in it for me?
At the end of each term, participants will receive an official
certificate recognising their achievement, a written reference
for their College and University Application Forms, and accreditation
for schemes such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Millennium
Volunteers.
Participants will also be invited to become Foundation Trust Members
and have access to “Medicine for Members” events,
a regular events feature of the Foundation Team’s calendar,
offering the chance to find out more about what happens in a hospital
through lectures and newsletters.
We also hope that in return for participating in the Young Person’s
Volunteer Experience, the hospital can offer you the chance to
learn new skills, use your existing skills and expertise, develop
new interests, meet people, and provide the opportunity to get
involved.
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11. How do I apply?
All prospective volunteers need to attend an Information Session
before they complete an application form. These sessions are held
periodically throughout the year, and will last about 2 hours.
They provide an overview of all the volunteer opportunities available
at Addenbrooke’s.
Application forms are available at the sessions for people who
decide they want to make the commitment to volunteer with us.
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