Intensive Care Unit volunteers

Intensive Care & High Dependency Unit Reception

The Intensive Care and High Dependency Units (ICU & HDU) are where some of the hospital’s most critical and emotional moments unfold. They are high stress, high stakes environments. 

Why it matters

Last year 1,906 families waited by a bedside hoping their loved one would pull through. In this high stress environment our reception volunteers are a steady, compassionate presence, welcoming visitors, coordinating access to the units, supporting staff and easing the burden on families.

Meet Pip

Pip knows first hand how important the ICU team is. Several years ago her husband Peter was rushed to Wellington Hospital after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. Despite the efforts of the incredible ICU staff, sadly Peter didn’t survive.

During that time, and after, I received nothing but kindness, understanding and care from the ICU team. Volunteering now is my way of giving back.

Pip volunteers at the ICU reception desk, helping to manage visitors and support the unit’s smooth running.

ICU can be a very intense and scary place, especially for families. I love being able to offer a friendly, calm welcome and to support the wonderful staff. It’s incredibly rewarding.

Many of our ICU volunteers have experienced the unit’s care themselves and choose to volunteer as a way of honouring those experiences and helping others through their own.

Stephen James, ICU Nurse Manager, says:

Our volunteers are invaluable. They generously give their time to support our staff and create a compassionate, welcoming environment for our visitors.

Thinking about joining the ICU team?   If you’re calm under pressure, empathetic and want to make a real difference in people’s lives, we’d love to hear from you.