NHS Lothian - Volunteer Services at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital

”Volunteering Well – NHS Lothian Volunteering Strategy 2018-2023” sets out an ambitious vision for volunteering across the whole of Lothian Health Board’s sites and services. To support the achievement of our goals we have been systematically reviewing our volunteer opportunities, processes and engagement with staff, patients and volunteers. As part of this process, it is our intention over the coming year to review volunteering services at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Associated Services prior to making decisions about priorities and how best to achieve them. At this stage we anticipate the review resulting in a revised service specification with procurement commencing in late 2021. As an interim measure, prior to the implementation of the results of that review, we are offering a tender opportunity for a 12 month contract commencing 1st April 2021.

The successful bidder will be required to –

• Identify and support meaningful volunteering opportunities for in-patients of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Associated Services, enabling patients to experience the benefits of volunteering.

-Use a demand led recruitment approach to recruit, train and place volunteers in roles to support positive health outcomes for patients and improve the visitor experience at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Associated Services.

-Support volunteers with additional barriers to volunteering to engage in the wider Lothian Health Board volunteer programme through structured time limited support.

The successful bidder will operate from a dedicated Volunteer Hub at McKinnon House at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital. Some travel within Lothian will be required.