The Emergency Departments are experiencing high volumes of patients who need care. Please be prepared to wait. The most serious cases are treated first.
Not all health concerns need emergency care. You can also book a virtual visit or go to an urgent care clinic for these concerns. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
Thank you for your patience.
Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back and make a positive impact on the community.
Volunteers are a key part of our team at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). They work alongside team members to support patients, families, and visitors, helping make WRHN a caring and welcoming place for everyone. That is why the Volunteer Resources Team is here to make sure volunteering is a valuable experience, too. As a volunteer at WRHN, you will:
WRHN is looking for volunteers who share our values and want to give their time to help create a positive and welcoming experience. You must also be at least 16 years old.
Volunteers are expected to come in for a three- or four-hour shift once per week for at least nine months. We also offer flexible options to cover vacations and time away.
When you volunteer at WRHN, our team will match you with a role based on your interests, availability, and current opportunities. Volunteers can give their time in many different areas and roles, including:
Please note that not all roles are offered at all sites.
The WRHN Volunteer Association has supported patients, families, and team members for more than 90 years. It first began as a group called the Auxiliary at the hospitals that are now a part of WRHN. Its members continue to generously give their time to raise money for WRHN today.
Our gift shops, Tim Hortons, and vendor program are all run by the Volunteer Association and help support care at WRHN. The profits from these programs are donated to WRHN Foundation to help buy medical equipment and supplies that improve patient care and well-being.
Our network of patient and family partners brings patients, families, and caregivers together to make care better. They share their experiences and ideas to help us improve programs, remove barriers, and build a health network that works for everyone.
Ready to join us? We would love to hear from you.
You can apply to join the Patient and Family Partner Network if you were a patient at WRHN in the last three years or if you are a family member or care partner of someone who was a patient at WRHN during that time.
Partners can get involved in many ways, either for a short time or over the long term. You might give feedback on documents or policies, take part in projects that help improve care, or join a committee.
When you volunteer at WRHN, we offer support and training to help you feel confident in your role. Before you begin, you will complete virtual and in-person training. This includes online modules and one-on-one training with an experienced volunteer.
We will teach you about healthcare safety, how to connect with patients and families, and more. We also offer ongoing training to keep volunteers up to date on any new information or changes to the program.
Before you begin, you will need to apply and go to an interview. After you have been accepted as a volunteer, you will need to:
It usually takes four to eight weeks to complete this process before you can start volunteering.
After you are accepted as a volunteer, you need to complete a health check form. It includes providing proof of:
We will share more details once you have been accepted as a volunteer.
You must be at least 16 years old for most volunteer opportunities.
Volunteers usually come in once a week for a three- or four-hour shift. We also offer flexible options to cover vacations and time away. You can find more information in the Who Can Volunteer? section.
There are lots of opportunities for you to explore depending on when you are available to volunteer. To see a list of some of our volunteer opportunities, visit the Volunteer Roles section.
Our team will match you with a volunteer role based on the kind of experience you are looking for and WRHN’s current needs. We will interview you to get to know you better. Your skills, interests, and availability all help us find the right fit.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. However, volunteers cannot provide medical care. You will only perform the duties listed in your role description when you volunteer. Volunteer Resources does not offer any shadowing or observation opportunities.
Some of the benefits of volunteering at WRHN include:
As a volunteer, you will get free parking in the visitor lot during your shift. Ask the Volunteer Resources Team if you need more information. For details about where to park at WRHN, visit the Getting Here page.
You will receive a vest and a photo ID badge, which must be worn during each shift. Please remember that you are representing WRHN, so dress in a professional and respectful way. We ask that you wear closed-toe, closed-heel, nonslip shoes and a shirt with sleeves.
All new volunteers complete mandatory general training as a part of onboarding. After that, you will receive training for your specific role. The number of training shifts you will need depends on the role and how comfortable you feel — we want to make sure you feel confident before you start volunteering.
Yes, volunteers are welcome to take time off to go on vacation. Please let the Volunteer Resources Team know when you plan to be away, so they can have another volunteer cover your shifts.
Volunteering can give you helpful experience, but it doesn’t mean you will get a paid job. However, you are welcome to apply for any job opportunities listed on our website. For more information about jobs at WRHN, visit our Career Opportunities page.
