Why Volunteer at WCH?
As valued members of WCH’s team, volunteers are integral in supporting the hospital’s mission of advancing and advocating for health equity and developing solutions for our most pressing health system challenges.
Volunteering at Women’s College Hospital is the perfect opportunity to explore the healthcare field and gain experience in a wide variety of healthcare settings through:
- Volunteer placements aligned with interests and skill sets
- Hospital-wide educational events
- Volunteer education and social events
How to apply
Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. If successful, acceptance into the volunteer program is conditional on the completion of the following forms:
- Two reference forms – References must be from a professional setting, including employers, volunteer coordinators, supervisors, coaches, or teachers. Please do not use family or friends as references.
- WCH Volunteer medical form
- Parent/guardian consent form (if under 18 years of age)
All volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (defined as 14 days after receipt of your second dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine).
Volunteer Services
Women’s College Hospital
76 Grenville Street,
Toronto, ON M5S 1B2
Phone: 416-323-6400 ext. 6180
Fax: 416-323-7741
Email: volunteer@wchospital.ca
Hours of Service
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Volunteer Programs
- Must commit to a consistent 3.5-hour shift once weekly
- Shifts are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Must commit to a consistent 3.5-hour shift once weekly throughout the academic year (September – April)
- Shifts are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Must commit to a minimum of two (2) 3.5-hour shifts a week for May, June, July, and August.
- The summer program application deadline is March 4, 2023, and volunteers must be available to start the program on May 2, 2023.
*Summer programs for high school students will return at a later date.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: You don’t need any specific clinical or technical skills to volunteer; we match volunteers with programs that best fit their abilities and interests.
A: Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age, including high school and post-secondary school students. Volunteers under the age of 18 are required to provide a signed parental/guardian consent form, available in the ‘Apply Now’ section.
A: WCH’s Volunteer Program currently offers two post-secondary student programs, including a Summer Student Volunteer Program. The deadline to apply for the Summer Student Program is March 4, 2023.
A: Volunteer positions are assigned based on volunteers’ interests and skillsets, availability, and hospital needs, and fall into five categories:
- Information desk and wayfinding – greet patients and visitors; provide information and answer general inquiries; provide directional support
- Clinic office help – assist staff with administrative tasks; make courtesy patient appointment-reminder phone calls
- Clinic liaison – assist coordinating patient flow in clinics; direct patients to exam rooms; assist with patients’ general inquiries
- Waiting room – act as liaison between patients and their healthcare teams; assist with general inquiries; provide support/comfort to patients
- Other – provide special project support for various departments and programs
A: The application process typically takes six to eight weeks from the time you submit your application until you are offered a placement. Exact timelines may vary depending on the availability of volunteer positions. See above for details on how to submit your application.
For those offered a volunteer placement at WCH, you are required to attend a program orientation session, attend training for your placement, and provide a refundable $30 deposit for volunteer vest and security badge.
Successful applicants are also required to consent to a Criminal Records Check, conducted and paid for by WCH.
You can check the status of your application by emailing Debbi.Leith@wchospital.ca.
A: Yes; volunteers are required to provide proof of vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), and COVID-19 (two doses). They are also required to complete a 2-step Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) prior to beginning their placement.
- If you are not up to date with required vaccinations, you are responsible to complete them, along with your 2-step TST, at a healthcare facility of your choosing, prior to starting your volunteer placement.
- WCH does not reimburse applicants/volunteers for any costs that may be incurred for vaccinations.
A: We do not offer clinical shadowing or observership opportunities, and our volunteer positions do not meet the requirements of professional internships. The Volunteer Program offers volunteer opportunities only.
A: We can provide a letter of verification for volunteers once they have completed approximately 6 months or 100 hours of volunteer service.
A: WCH’s current COVID-19 protocols include mandatory vaccination for physicians, staff and volunteers; universal masking; and physical distancing guidelines. We also strongly encourage excellent hand hygiene and require staff and volunteers to stay at home when sick or symptomatic.
There are many reasons to volunteer at WCH, but also many benefits:
- Gain valuable experience in the healthcare industry in a variety of roles
- Meet new people, make new connections and friends, and give back to your community in a meaningful and important way
- Receive WCH’s Volunteer Program’s monthly newsletter, Volunteer Voice, with updates, wellness calendars, and other fun articles