Language Point Zuyderland Volunteer

Good care begins with understanding each other.
A visit to the hospital can be stressful. Some people find it difficult to read, write, or understand healthcare information. A letter, brochure, or questionnaire can then be extra challenging. As a result, it is not always easy to understand the information properly or to be well-prepared for a conversation with a healthcare provider.

At Zuyderland, we believe it is important that healthcare information is clear and understandable. That is why we have the Language Point. Here, patients receive help with understanding letters, brochures, and other healthcare information. This allows them to talk about their health with more confidence and to continue making their own choices regarding their care.

For this, we need committed volunteers. People who take the time, show attention to others, and can make a big difference through a simple conversation.

This is how you make a difference
As a volunteer, you are the familiar face of the Language Point. You are visibly present in the hospital, walking through nursing wards and waiting rooms with a book trolley, making easy contact with patients. With an open attitude and a listening ear, you signal when someone is having difficulty reading, writing, or understanding healthcare information. You tell people about the Language Point, hand out free books, and guide patients toward the right help.

Some patients need a little extra help. By appointment, you will have a conversation with them in which you go through a hospital letter, brochure, or questionnaire together. You do not provide medical explanations and you do not take over care tasks. You help people to better understand the information, so that they can engage in conversation with their healthcare provider with more confidence and find their way more easily within the hospital.

It is precisely that personal attention that makes your commitment so valuable. You do not need to be a healthcare provider to truly make a difference for a patient.

Who are you?
You make easy contact, can listen well, and enjoy working independently. You are curious about people and are not afraid to start a conversation.

A background in education, coaching, or guidance is a plus, but certainly not a requirement.

• volunteer work in which you can truly make a difference for patients;
• a good induction period and training before you start;
• personal guidance from the Language Point;
• a pleasant working environment within Zuyderland;
• travel allowance;
• an end-of-year gift;
• the possibility to shadow for half a day first to get acquainted.

Interested?
Does this volunteer position appeal to you? Then we would love to meet you.

Send your motivation and CV to vrijwilligers.ziekenhuis@zuyderland.nl with the subject 'Vrijwilliger Taalpunt Zuyderland'. Above all, tell us why this role suits you and what motivates you to start working as a volunteer.

For all volunteers at Zuyderland, we require a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).