Cancer Care and Haematology Unit; CCHU Garden DIY Volunteer Mandeville Hospital

Cancer Care and Haematology Unit (CCHU) Garden

At Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust we have a simple mission – Personal and Compassionate Care Every Time. Volunteers help to enhance the patient experience and complement the work of paid members of staff.

The unit is a unique stand‑alone facility designed and purpose‑built to provide a wide range of outpatient and day‑case treatments for patients with cancer, including blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Patients with non‑malignant blood problems such as clotting and bleeding disorders, various forms of anaemia, immune problems and haemoglobinopathies, are also investigated and cared for in the CCHU.

The CCHU has a lovely garden for the use of staff, patients, and their family members and carers. CCHU are looking for one volunteer for this role.

At least 6 months commitment for 2‑3 hours a fortnight.

• Maintenance of the CCHU Garden at Stoke Mandeville Hospital (SMH), including but not limited to: cleaning and checking the state of repair of furniture;
• Mending and refurbishing garden furniture;
• Helping with ‘handyman’ DIY projects on an ad hoc basis;
• Helping with some of the gardening maintenance, if desired;
• Working with a small team of volunteers;
• Reporting any issues to Annie Downes, Assistant General Manager for Oncology and Haematology.

The space is used by BHT employees, patients, carers and family members – and they may be using the garden for meetings, team building or just for recreation so the volunteer will need to be sensitive to this.

We are happy for the person(s) who volunteer to add to the garden space and discuss any thoughts or ideas to improve it further.

• Physically able to stand/kneel and walk around for 2‑3 hours or durations agreed to;
• Self‑motivated – they will not be told what to do on a weekly basis – it’s about seeing what needs to be done and doing it in the garden spaces. There will be opportunities to get together and agree on what work should be done and communicate with other volunteers however;
• Comfortable with doing DIY tasks;
• Friendly and approachable;
• Understands the importance of commitment;
• Work as a team – perhaps with Property Services colleague or other volunteers;
• Good communication skills;
• Can understand and apply BHT CARE values.

• Volunteers must be a minimum of 16 years of age;
• All volunteers will require a DBS check;
• Participation in the training relevant to your role and confidential discussion of any reasonable adjustments required to meet your needs.

• Join an enthusiastic volunteering team of people who want to make a difference, just like you.
• Supervision and support from a dedicated member of staff.
• Learn new skills and develop existing skills.
• Contribute to your personal development and confidence.
• You will be making an important contribution to your local community throughout your volunteering journey at the hospital.
• Annual refresher training, including health and safety requirements.
• The opportunity to demonstrate a wide range of attributes and commitment.
• You can apply online at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./hoduc