Article Source: Mediclinic
Mediclinic, South Africa’s largest private hospital group, is reaching out to South African citizens who are willing and able to volunteer in the hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic. The following information was shared on their website:
The COVID-19 pandemic has created the need for assistance in certain roles within healthcare. For this reason, we would like to appeal to volunteers, to assist within hospitals and to play a role as we respond to the pandemic. This refers to those without clinical experience as well as those who have previously worked in the healthcare industry, but are currently not doing so.
Mediclinic has created these opportunities in order to ensure that our healthcare workers are able to focus on providing the essential care where it is needed most. Volunteers will assist healthcare staff to focus on their core roles.
You can register online here: forms.mediclinic.co.za
Information For Volunteers:
Volunteering during a pandemic is a very important part of the community response to COVID-19. However, the safety and well-being of volunteers is still paramount in these efforts and Mediclinic recommends that best practice volunteer management is followed as much as possible, even in these unprecedented circumstances.
Here are a few things you should expect when volunteering with Mediclinic:
Many roles will be supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. This means you will need to register in order to be considered for volunteering roles. For roles that do require South African Nursing Council registration, there has been a call to the registering body to fast-track their restoration process for nurses who are no longer registered but would like to accept the call to action now.
Before you start, Mediclinic will provide you with a clear explanation of your role and responsibilities e.g. if there is a specific way the role needs to be carried out, the place of volunteering, your expected hours etc. As things need to move faster during an emergency, your role might be further clarified on arrival.
The Mediclinic Code of Conduct for Volunteers is not a legal contract but solidifies the relationship between you and Mediclinic by defining what is expected from both parties. The document should be signed before the period of volunteerism begins.
Mediclinic will endeavour to provide you with training on Infection Prevention and Control as well as specific tasks relevant to your role. It is important that you receive adequate training and feel safe and confident to carry out your role. Do not undertake a volunteer role if you have not been properly trained to do so. In all cases, you should have a named Volunteer Coordinator who supports you and whom you can contact if any issues arise. Buddy systems may also be set up to support you in your role.
You are expected to report for duty and carry out your role as agreed. The professionalism and success of the volunteer programme depends on you and on your conduct. Please always arrive on time and carry out your tasks as well as you can. Not turning up without letting your supervisor know can jeopardise the programme and place at risk the lives of our patients, staff and doctors. If you feel in any way unwell, please do not report for duty. Let your Volunteer Coordinator know that you are unable to fulfil your role.
While much of your work may go unnoticed as you gently support a well-oiled process, you should remember that your efforts are really appreciated not only by the organisation but by those you serve through your volunteering. Volunteering can be hard work, but hopefully you will find it to be a very rewarding experience.
Should you have any queries regarding submission of your application, please contact the Mediclinic Response Team at 021 861 1000.
Thank you very much.
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Date published: 07/04/2020
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