Volunteer ward visitors are an essential part of the service provided by the chaplaincy team. Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds— including retired nurses and other healthcare workers, people of faith and no faith, people with experience of hospitals and none, older people, younger people and those in between. 

The thing held in common is a desire to be of help and support to those in hospital. All our volunteers go through an initial training course of 8 to 10 two-hour sessions covering various topics, including listening skills, hospital protocols, infection control, pain and suffering from different perspectives, cultural requirements, a basic understanding of grief and loss issues and practical experience of ward visiting.

Anyone feeling that they would like to be involved in this very valuable work, bringing support and comfort to those in need, being alongside on the journey, can contact the chaplaincy office on 01274 365819, or by writing to:

            The Chaplaincy Department

            St Luke’s Hospital

            Extension Block

            Little Horton Lane

            Bradford BD5 0NA

 Alternatively e-mail dawn.arnison@bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk for further information