Cancer Care and Haematology Unit; CCHU Gardening Volunteer Mandeville Hospital

Cancer Care and Haematology Unit (CCHU) Garden

About this role:

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‑along 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

• Weeding of the flower beds then hoeing of the beds to keep on top of the weeds
• Watering the pots that are there and maintain the plants in the pots
• Sweeping any hard standing areas and keeping paved paths free of weeds
• Pruning any of the shrubs that are in the bed that are becoming overgrown maintaining current sizes of shrubs
• Arranging for the garden rubbish generated to be removed plus any other rubbish that is there
• Cleaning and checking the state of repair of furniture
• 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.

• Has an interest in gardening and can recognise plants/flowers and confidently differentiate these from weeds
• 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 – it’s about seeing what needs to be done and doing it in the garden spaces. There will be opportunities to get together with other volunteers for the garden to talk about what needs to be done and when however.
• 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.
• 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