Frequently asked questions

1. Why do I have to be at least 17 years old before I can volunteer at the MCH?  

   Our hospital provides complex care to patients that are, at times, quite vulnerable. In order to provide the best care for children and their families, our volunteers must show that they have a certain level of maturity so that their volunteering experience benefits them and the patients and families they meet.

   Would you like to volunteer but don't meet the MCH age requirements?
   Visit the Montreal Volunteer Bureau web site where you'll find a section for those under 18: http://cabm.net/

2. I'm not bilingual (French and English). Can I still volunteer?  

   Volunteers need to understand what the young patients are saying therefore, bilingualism is a necessary requirement if you'd like to volunteer with the children. However, if you're not bilingual, you can volunteer through the MCH Foundation as well as in various offices and clinics which need clerical support (filing, database entry, photocopying, etc.)

3. How much time, on average, is required to become a volunteer?  

   It takes around 6 weeks to become a volunteer. If your application is accepted you'll be interviewed, after which Volunteer Services will confirm that you don't have a police record. You will have to receive any vaccines required to work with patients and you'll take part in an orientation/information session. You'll then work with an experienced volunteer for your first volunteer session.

4. Why does the process take so long?  

   Given our mission of serving a young patient population we have a moral, ethical and legal obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients and to ensure that our volunteers are as well prepared as possible to support them.

5. What is my time commitment for being a volunteer?  

   Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 6 consecutive months and spend 3 hours a week at the hospital at the same time and on the same day each week. This policy is in effect for most of our departments. It's possible to volunteer in the evenings and on weekends according to the needs of our patients.

6. What if I'm not available for the minimum time required (6 months, 3 hours/week)?  

   We suggest you contact the volunteer bureau in your community or visit the web site of the Montreal Volunteer Bureau: http://cabm.net/

7. I'm a student. If my course times change each term can I change the time that I volunteer?  

   Yes, it's possible to modify your schedule depending on the needs of the department in which you're volunteering.

8. Can I do more than 3 hours/week of volunteer work and can I volunteer in more than one department?  

   Yes. You just need to contact Volunteer Services in order to find out the current needs of the various hospital departments.

9. Can I change my volunteer assignment?  

   We ask volunteers to complete their first 6 months of volunteering in the same department. In general, it takes about 6 to 8 weeks to feel comfortable in a department. However, if you're not satisfied after the first 2 months, before thinking about switching programs you should discuss it with your contacts in the department as well as the staff in Volunteer Services in order to find a solution.

10. How do you choose the department or program where I'll volunteer?  
    • On the application form, you can indicate your choice by order of preference. You will be placed in your first choice if there is space available according to your availability and if your background corresponds to the needs of the department.
    • For certain programs, depending on your experience, you must complete 6 months of volunteering at the MCH before volunteering in these programs (e.g.: Hematology-oncology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Palliative Care).
11. Can I observe or assist in medical procedures or take part in basic patient care (e.g.: washing, feeding, changing diapers)?  

    The primary objective for volunteers is to allow children to play and to help make their hospital experience a positive one. By the nature of the role, there is very little opportunity to work with doctors, and volunteers are not allowed to take part in basic patient care.

12. I have training in certain areas (e.g. nursing, massage therapy, psychotherapy, CPR)  

    Volunteers are not considered healthcare professionals. The volunteer's role at the hospital is clearly defined during the interview process. It is essential that volunteers respect this.

13. I would like to bring my pet to visit the patients at the MCH.  

    There is a pet therapy program at the MCH and anyone interested in having their pet take part in this activity should contact Zoothérapie Québec. This organization is responsible for the dogs that visit children at the hospital. For more information, visit their Web site at: www.zootherapiequebec.ca

14. What if I'm feeling sick, or have a cold or a cough?  

    Stay at home and contact the person responsible in the department where you volunteer.