Enquiries 

If you have a specific inquiry please phone us on  09 307 4949 ext 24800 or send us an email. If you have general feedback or comments that you'd like to share and do not require a response from us, you can use the  comments and feedback form below.. 

Postal address

DCCM Ward 82
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92024
Auckland 1142
New Zealand

Here you will find information about the Auckland Breast Cancer Study Group (ABCSG).

The ABCSG recognised the need for a comprehensive database designed to assist with the ongoing management, research, and audit of cancer. As a result, the Auckland Breast Cancer Register (ABCR) was established on 1 ^st June 2000 after approval was granted by the Northern Ethics Committee.

The ABCR holds information on diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of patients within the Auckland region.  Patient confidentiality is maintained at all times and only de-identified data is presented and reported from the Register. This information can then be used by the Study Group to feed back into the community for improved future management.

Get in touch with us

Freepost 104
Auckland Breast Cancer Register
Private Bag 92189
Breast Clinic, Level 6, Building 4
Greenlane Clinical Centre
Auckland 1142

Phone: (09) 630 9943 ext. 26730/26731
Fax: (09) 631 0730
Email:breastcancerregister@adhb.govt.nz

OurThe Executive Team

Chairperson:
Dr Jenny Wagener, MBChB FRACS
Consultant General, Breast and Thyroid Surgeon
Department of General Surgery
Counties Manukau District Health Board

Treasurer:
Dr Maria Pearse, MBChB FRANZCR
Consultant Radiation Oncologist
Regional Cancer and Blood Centre
Auckland District Health Board, and at Auckland Radiation Oncology, Epsom, Auckland

Principal Investigator:
Associate-Professor Vernon Harvey, ONZM
MD (London) FRCP (Edin) FRACP FAChPM
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Regional Cancer and Blood Centre
Auckland District Health Board, and at Oncology 161, Epsom, Auckland

Members:
Dr Reena Ramsaroop, MNZM
MBChB, FFPath (SA), PhD (SA), FRCPA
Consultant HistoCytopathologist
Surgical Pathology Unit
Waitemata District Health Board

Dr Alexander Ng, MBChB FRACS
Consultant General, Breast and Trauma Surgeon
Department of General Surgery
Auckland District Health Board, and at Breast Associates, Ascot Central, Greenlane, Auckland

Study groupRegister staff

Our history

Established in 1976, the ABCSG consists of a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians with a particular interest in breast cancer and research. The membership includes representatives from the subspecialties of surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology, consumers and allied health professionals including breast physicians and breast care nurses. For nearly 40 years, the Study Group has worked with international organisations on a number of clinical trials spanning both early and advanced breast cancer.

In the Auckland region between 1976 and 1985 the ABCSG established a comprehensive computerised breast cancer database. Information on 2700 cases of breast cancer provided the resource for some 30 publications. The Register, however, was discontinued in 1985 for various reasons.

In 1996 ABCSG members agreed that a new breast cancer registry should be established initially in the Auckland region and ultimately nationally. Against a background of important developments in a number of areas in breast cancer (including advances in genetics, screening and detection, surgery, radiation therapy and systemic therapy) there was a need for a new, comprehensive database to provide a resource for ongoing audit and research. The ABCR was established on the 1st June 2000. Ethics Approval was obtained from the Auckland Ethics Committee.

In June 2013, the Charities Commission approved the ABCSG application for registration as a charitable entity. The governance of the Register is under the BCF Breast Register Trust, which in the process of being registered as on August 2018. The finalisation of the Trust, its members and TOR are currently underway.

Our aims

1. Recording complete information on diagnosis and treatment.

2. Describing risk factors and prognostic variables.

3. Assessing survival rates.

4. Assessing patterns of care and aspects of multidisciplinary management.

5. Reviewing outcomes of defined patient groups compared with predicted outcomes.

6. Comparing patient outcomes within and outside trials to assist in directing further research.

Its objective is to provide data that will assist health care providers and planners formulate clinical basis for improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with breast cancer, and be able to evaluate local patterns of care and outcomes that can be compared with national and international standards.

The project has received Ethics Committee Approval and has been declared a Quality Assurance Activity under Part VI of the Medical Practitioners Act 1995.

New Zealand Breast Cancer Register

The ABCR covers the Waitemata, Auckland and Counties Manukau District Health Boards. Together with the three other regional breast cancer registers (Waikato: which covers the Waikato DHB, Wellington: Wairarapa, Capital & Coast, Hutt Valley DHBs, and Christchurch: Canterbury DHB), approximately 63% of all New Zealand breast cancer registrations (around  1600 per annum) are collected. 

Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand has funded a project to consolidate the regional registers into a single, modern, web-based platform that will add significant value towards future-proofing these valuable datasets. The new platform has made it easier for data to be made available to clinicians for clinical decision-making and review of outcomes, standards of treatment, scientific research and audits. The ultimate vision of collecting these data is to drive improvements in our treatment and care of breast cancer in New Zealand.  The consolidation is now complete with all the data stored on one common platform at Ministry of Health alongside similar clinical registries. Patient data will remain confidential and coded to ensure details are not identifiable. The partnership has been a collaboration between the Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand, Ministry of Health and the National Health Information Technology Board. 

For more information on the NZBCR including the Participant Information Sheet (Patient Brochure) please contact The Register Staff or BCFNZ at 0800 BCNurse

Funded by Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Data collection

Based on the following ABCR eligibility requirements, new patient diagnosis should have:

• No breast cancer history prior to 1^st June 2000;
• Been diagnosed with invasive carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS);
• Been an Auckland region resident at the time of surgery;
• And been a NZ permanent resident (including Cook Island resident) at diagnosis.

As this is a long-term study, patients are followed-up all their life. If needed, General Practitioners (GPs) may also be contacted.

Use of data

• Clinical data are extracted upon request for research projects, presentations and audit.
• ABCSG extracts data and produces statistics posters regularly.
• ABCR is also the source database of surgical audit dataset being forwarded to the BreastSurgANZ Quality Audit (Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) on behalf of ABCSG member-surgeons.

Find out more about requesting data here.

ABCR’s 12-year data statistics posters

Between 1 ^st June 2000 and 31 ^st May 2012, a total of 10,399 eligible patients were diagnosed with breast cancer within the Auckland Region. Some highlights from the 2015  Main Poster  include:

• There were 10,656 incidents of breast cancer (i.e. first and second primaries);
• Of these cancers, 85% were Invasive and 15% were In Situ (Non-Invasive Duct);
• Screen detected cancers have increased over the past 4 years compared with other detection methods;
• Breast cancer-specific 5-year survival rate is 87% and 10-year survival rate is 80%;
• Breast cancer statistics have indicated differences within ethnic groups.

For more information and to download posters please see below.

The Auckland Breast Cancer Study Group gratefully acknowledges the funding of the Register by Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand and the administrative support of the Auckland District Health Board.

Helen is an amazing occupational therapist who does outstanding work with all her patients on Rangitoto ward. She makes coming to work easier every day, knowing you are going to be working with a colleague who really and truly cares about her patients and always gives 110 per cent of herself, her effort and her energy. She is so funny and her personality is a breath of fresh air for staff and for the patients, going through what can be a difficult rehab journey. She works collaboratively with the entire interdisciplinary team and goes above and beyond to maximise patient outcomes. We are so lucky to have her!

Within Auckland DHB, we have well over 400 volunteers working in fixed volunteer positions across Auckland City Hospital, Starship, Te Whetu Tawera and Greenlane Clinical Centre. They generously give their time, skills and energy to our patients and their families: from our Blue Coat Ambassadors who meet and greet patients and visitors, to our Hospital Grandparents and Companion Volunteers who work one-on-one with patients and provide caring support. Our volunteers are critically important to our DHB and to the people we serve.

The Volunteer Centre run by our volunteers management team offers you on the job training and ongoing support, as well as a car park and food voucher for each shift. In some volunteering roles you may also get the chance to hear from experienced health professionals regarding various topics related to Volunteering roles. If you're interested in joining our team of dedicated volunteers please chose from one of our available volunteer positions . Before applying for one of our positions, please check our  frequently asked questions.

There are also a number of externally run volunteer services which are listed here .

Corporate Volunteering: Please note that we are not able to offer short-term, single day volunteering for groups or individuals.

Auckland DHB volunteer positions

• Administration volunteer (no vacancies)
• Administration Volunteer: writer for monthly newsletter   Apply Now
  
• Blue Coats Ambassador Services Auckland City Hospital  Apply now
  
• Blue Coats Ambassador Services Greenlane Clinical Centre Apply now
• Companion Volunteers Rehab wards Auckland City Hospital  Apply now
• Starship Family Support Volunteers  Apply now
• Starship Hospital Grandparents (no vacancies)
  
• Starship Information Desk (no vacancies)
  
• Starship Play and Recreation Department - (no vacancies)
• Starship Toy Library  (no vacancies)
  
• Starship School assistant volunteers - (no vacancies)
  
• Starship Pet programme - (no vacancies)
  
• Auckland City Mental Health Unit - Te Whetu Tawera - Musicians**

For further information please contactLindy Lely by email.

**To apply for the musicians posting at Te Whetu Tawera please contact Julie Hagan at jhagan@adhb.govt.nz or ring on 021 270 2114 mobile.

Volunteer position descriptions

Administration volunteers

From time-to-time, administration volunteers are required to support a staff member or to work in the Volunteer Centre. This role is supportive and requires a helpful and practical attitude. The desired skills are:

• General office skills (filing, photocopying, data entry, taking phone messages and responding to emails).
• Competence with computers.
• Keeping brochures and booklets updated.
• Special projects.

Shift information: Flexible, to suit your lifestyle

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Administration Volunteer: Writer for monthly newsletter 

This role is to assist the volunteer manager in putting the monthly Auckland DHB volunteers' newsletters together. This newsletter has a large readership within Auckland DHB and therefore we are looking for a person with creative writing skills and experience with page design. 

Shift information: Flexible to suit your lifestyle. 

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Blue Coats Ambassador Service for Auckland City Hospital 

Can you relate to coming into the hospital, not knowing where to go to see a loved one or how to get to an appointment? Become a beloved Blue Coat and help make a difference to how we meet and greet visitors and patients at Auckland City Hospital. If your warm smile and lifetime experience to customer service and people skills are second to none, become part of our team! We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We aim to have a strong, committed team.

Auckland City Hospital Shift times are:

Monday to Friday        

• 09:00am - 12.30pm                                                                          
• 12:30pm - 04:00pm                                                                      
• 04:00pm - 07:30pm                        

Saturday                    

• 11:00am - 02:30pm          

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Blue Coats Ambassador Service for Greenlane Clinical Centre

Can you relate to coming into the hospital, not knowing how to get to an appointment? Become a beloved Blue Coat and help make a difference to how we meet and greet visitors and patients. At Greelane Clinical Centre which is a day-clinic, you will be mostly dealing with day-stay patients and their families. If your warm smile and lifetime experience to customer service and people skills are second to none, become part of our team! We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We aim to have a strong, committed team.

Greenlane Clinical Centre Shift times are:

Monday to Friday

• 08:00am - 12:00pm 
• 12:00pm - 04:00pm      

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Starship Information Desk

This volunteer service provides non-medical assistance to patients, parents, other relatives and visitors to the hospital. Their role is to meet and greet patients/families on arrival and to offer assistance to get them to clinics, wards and other facilities as required.  Often people coming into the hospital are under stress and need reassurance and helpful assistance.

We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We aim to have a strong, committed team.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday

• 10:00 - 01:00pm
• 01:00 - 04:00pm

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Are you looking to brighten someone’s day? Join our friendly team of Companion Volunteers working with patients from older people’s health and all ages rehabilitation wards at Auckland City Hospital.

You willYou’ll have the opportunity to engage with patients, in group settings and one-on-one, through a wide variety of activities including: playing games, arts and crafts, conversations, meal times, reading or speech practice. You willYou’ll be making a real difference to our patients’ experience.

We willWe’ll offer you training, ongoing support and a car park- and food voucher after each shift. You willYou’ll also get the chance to hear from experienced health professionals about topics like speech therapy and dementia.

If you are 18 years or over, have amazing communication and interpersonal skills, then we would love to hear from you! You willyou! You’ll need to be able to commit to a minimum period of 6 months, for at least one shift eacha week.

Shift times are:

Monday to Saturday

• 10:30am - 01:30pm

Monday to Friday (evenings)

• 4:00pm - 7:00pm

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Starship Family support volunteers

These volunteers provide support, orientation and companionship for parents and caregivers, particularly those from other geographical areas and DHBs. By referral, volunteers are available to spend time with families who are experiencing additional stress, such as waiting for their child to have an operation. Family support volunteers should be confident, friendly and outgoing; have a helpful and willing approach to people; be sensitive and caring and have a good general knowledge of the area and public transport system. We ask that you commit to one shift per week for a minimum period of 12 months, due to the time it takes to get through the recuitment screening and your probation time.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday

• 10am – 12pm + flexible options

Musicians (Vacancies Available) - The Auckland City Mental Health Unit - Te Whetu Tawera

Do you play guitar, piano, flute, violin, harp, ukulele or any other musical instrument? The Auckland City Mental Health Unit  - Te Whetu Tawera - is wanting volunteers to come and play for people who are in the Hospital. You don't have to be a professional musician, just someone who plays proficiently and who enjoys sharing their music with others. People who come into the Unit say that the music is calming and helps them to relax. The hours are flexible, you will be very well supported by the Coordinator and a group training session is held before you start. We are located in the Auckland City Hospital grounds - Building 35, next to the Auckland Domain.  Please note that all our Volunteers have to be 18 years old or over. 

If this sounds like something you might like to do, please email Julie Hagan at jhagan@adhb.govt.nz or ring on 021 270 2114 mobile.

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Starship Pet Programme

Pet Therapy Programme volunteers facilitate the visits of especially selected and trained SPCA therapy pets and their pet owners onto the Starship Hospital wards. The role of the Pet Therapy volunteer on Auckland DHB’s side is to team up with the SPCA volunteer and their dog and to guide them to the Starship wards, organise the visits from the children and ensure hand hygiene at all times. We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the role. We aim to have a strong, committed team. Volunteers need to:

• Be comfortable around animals.
• Have previous recent experience with children.
• Be tactful, sensitive, non judgmental and mature.
• Be comfortable in a hospital setting.
• Be organised and confident.
• Be able to deal with stress.

Shift times are:

Wednesday

• 1.15 - 2.45pm

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Starship School assistant volunteers

School assistant volunteers assist qualified teachers in the on-site hospital school, providing one-on-one help to children in the classroom. Suitably trained and vetted volunteers may visit children in their rooms. School volunteers must have recent experience with children. Recent experience in the classroom may be an advantage but is not essential. We are looking for flexible self-starters, who are patient, tactful and non judgemental, can commit time on a regular and ongoing basis and be willing to maintain the cleanliness of equipment as required.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday

• 10am – 11.45am
• 1.30pm – 2.15pm

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Starship Hospital Grandparents

The Hospital Grandparents are carefully selected volunteers who provide regular caring support, on a one-on-one basis, for children and families. Hospital Grandparents care mainly for children whose families cannot be with them all the time, long-term patients and children from out of town. All contact is on a referral basis.  Grandparents are sometimes required to be with children while they undergo procedures such as x-rays, blood transfusions and chemotherapy. The role of a grandparent can be emotionally demanding but is usually also very rewarding.  We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the role. We aim to have a strong, committed team.  If you can tick the boxes on the criteria below than we love to receive your application.

• Have a good level of experience with children and have a genuine love for them.
• Be patient, tactful, mature, flexible and non judgemental.
• Be able to form good relationships with family and staff.
• Be good listeners.
• Be able to commit to shifts on a regular and ongoing basis.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday 

• 9.40am–12.00pm

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Starship play and recreation department

Play and recreation volunteers require prior experience with children. They help provide play and recreational activities in ward and outpatient playrooms under the supervision of hospital play therapists. Suitably trained and vetted volunteers may sometimes visit children in their rooms with the charge nurse's permission and play specialist's supervision. We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the role.

Duties may include:

• Play and interaction with children under the supervision of a play specialist.
• Making resources for art activities.
• Cleaning toys and furniture after each play session.
• Checking stock in store rooms.
• Photocopying.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday 

• Flexible hours between 09:00am and 04:00pm

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Starship Toy Library

Volunteers provide a service delivering toys, games and activities to children in the wards Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.  We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We aim to have a strong, committed team. If you can tick the boxes on the following criteria we love to receive your application.

• Have previous recent experience with children.
• Have good organisational skills.
• Be confident, tactful, non judgemental and flexible.
• Be comfortable in a hospital setting.
• Be willing to clean toys and games.
• Be able to commit to at least four hours, one day a week.

Shift times are:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

• 9am - 12noon

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Externally run volunteer positions

Chaplaincy assistants

Our chaplaincy assistants work with our professionally trained chaplains to provide pastoral care and spiritual support of our patients, their family/whānau and hospital staff. Chaplaincy care is offered to all who wish to receive it within our sites. Both the chaplains and chaplaincy assistants are employed by the Interchurch Council for Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa New Zealand (ICH) . Volunteer chaplaincy assistants must be members of good standing with their denominational church or organisation. They are required to participate in a training programme which includes a 20-hour programme held over 10 weeks. This covers a range of knowledge and skills required to begin work in the wards. Chaplaincy assistants work under the supervision of a chaplain. A minimum of two hours a week is asked of our volunteer staff. Ongoing education and professional support are offered regularly to enhance our volunteers' knowledge and skills.

For those considering being a volunteer chaplaincy assistant or those who would like to return to volunteer with our team, please contact our Chaplaincy Coordinator Rev Young Jun You on 021 916 569 or  email.

Cancer Society volunteers

Oncology support

Having cancer treatment can be a challenging experience. To help make it a little easier, the Cancer Society has a team of volunteers working in the Auckland City Hospital Oncology Department. These volunteers complement the support given by hospital staff and help provide a supportive and positive experience for people having cancer treatment and those accompanying them by:

• Welcoming patients and their supporters to the Oncology Centre and helping them find their way around.
• Offering tea, coffee and a friendly chat.
• Providing information about the support offered by the Cancer Society and guiding people to hospital staff for support and information.

Oncology support volunteers, also known as 'Yellow Shirts', receive ongoing training and support from the Cancer Society. They can be identified by their bright yellow t-shirts, Cancer Society lanyard and hospital identity card.

Volunteer drivers

Cancer Society volunteer drivers pick people up from their homes, take them to their cancer treatment and return them home again. For some people cancer treatment can be an ongoing journey - on a daily basis for many weeks, even months. Many people are too unwell to drive themselves or find it difficult to rely on family and friends for such a long period of time. The Cancer Society's Volunteer Driving Service helps relieve stress on patients and their families during what is already a difficult time, and ensures they are able to attend all of their appointments. The volunteer driving office is located in the Radiation Therapy Department at Auckland City Hospital and is home to the Cancer Society's volunteer co-ordinators.

To find out more about becoming a Cancer Society volunteer please call 09 308 0496,  email  or  visit their website .

Friends of the Emergency Department

These volunteers provide comfort, information and non-clinical support to patients and family while they're waiting for or undergoing treatment in the emergency department. The work involves:

• Sitting, listening to and talking with patients or helping them find things like a magazine or telephone.
• Assisting relatives in family whānau rooms.
• Keeping a reassuring eye on patients in the waiting room.
• Assisting with dependent relatives and/or children.
• Helping out with the delivery and serving of meals and cups of tea and making beds.
• Assisting with the general tidiness of public areas.
• Key requirements include excellent communication skills, a compassionate and caring nature, tact and sensitivity, and an appreciation of different cultures and age groups.

If you have what it takes to become a Friend of the Emergency Department, phone St John on 0800 780 780.

Radio Lollipop

Radio Lollipop is an independent international not-for-profit organisation, founded in the UK. It provides play and radio programmes in Starship Hospital five evenings a week. One evening is specifically for adolescents. Volunteers visit the children in the wards with games and activities and occasionally organise theme evenings and special guests. Volunteers must be willing to attend a compulsory information evening for prospective volunteers held twice a year, be mature and reliable, have experience with children and be comfortable around them and be familiar with a hospital environment. For further information please contact Radio Lollipop on 09 377 3997 to leave messages or  email . 

Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, committed to improving the lives of vulnerable people both at home and internationally. Red Cross volunteers manage a retail shop trolley at Auckland City Hospital to allow patients to purchase basic requirements, personal items and newspapers. These volunteers report to a Red Cross volunteers co-ordinator and operate from the Volunteer Centre. Red Cross volunteers must be mature and sensitive to patients' needs, non judgemental, comfortable handling money, work with a partner, be absolutely trustworthy and be able to commit time on an ongoing basis. For more information, contact Rob High, Service Centre Coordinator on 09 262 0942 or  email . 

Youthtown

Youthtown is a not-for-profit organisation that has been active in New Zealand since 1932. Its purpose is simple – to inspire young people to realise their potential through physical, social and creative experiences. Helping New Zealand's youth to succeed and flourish is what drives the organisation and, as part of their mission, Youthtown runs school holiday art and recreation programmes in the atrium and in the teen lounge at Starship Hospital. It is open to patients, siblings and visitors alike. Volunteers must have experience with children and have a background or interest in art and/or crafts. For further information please contact Sian Neary, Programme Director on 09 379 5430, extension 812.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please note these FAQ's do not apply for the externally run volunteer positions .

Can I volunteer?

We are proud that our volunteers come from all walks of life, all ages and ethnic and religious backgrounds. We seek volunteers that have a mature and caring attitude. Volunteers who speak languages other than English are appreciated. If you meet our eligibility criteria you are most welcome to send in your application online.

We would love to hear from you if you:

1. are aged 18 years of age or over
2. are able to commit to volunteering at least  one shift per week
3. are able to commit to volunteering for   6 months  or more
4. have no criminal history of violence drug offences, sex offences, or crimes against children, and if you are willing to obtain a Police Check and for some roles a TB and immunity check history through a blood-test.
5. are able to contribute skills and experiences obtained from previous work, or volunteer experience in a similar role, with referees able to attest to this.

How much experience is needed?

While previous volunteer experience is highly regarded, this is by no means a requirement. We encourage a diverse range of applicants and all volunteers receive training as required. No medical knowledge or expertise is required.

What if I don’t meet the criteria?

Most public hospitals within the Auckland area have Volunteer Programs. You could contact the hospital in your area to find out about their opportunities and you could also contact Volunteering Auckland .

Will volunteering help me to get a job at the hospital?

Unfortunately volunteering will not assist you to secure a job at the hospital and we discourage applications from candidates whose motivation is to improve their career prospects. It may of course help you to decide whether a career in health is for you.

Can I choose where I work?

You as the volunteer apply for the role of your choice and after a discussion with the Volunteer Manager during an interview, a role can be assigned to you based on your availability, skills and experience and in keeping with the hospitals priorities.

What shifts are available?

The shifts available vary depending on the role, program, and hospital priorities. However most roles operate within 8:00am and 19:30pm (please see actual shift times with listed roles on the website).

How do I apply?

You can apply to volunteer for any off the roles that display the “apply now” link and complete the online application. We look forward to hearing from you!

What does the application process involve?

• You be asked to attend an interview
• We will ask you to sign a consent form to obtain a National Police Check and  for some roles you may be asked for your consent to undergo a blood check here at the Hospital Lab
• After the interview we will conduct reference checks

 Once I have successfully completed the recruitment screening what is expected of me?

• You can expect an invitation to return to the Volunteer centre for an induction, where we will introduce you to our health & safety regulations, emergency response and some of our do’s and don’ts.
• We will provide you with an Auckland DHB ID badge and for some roles we will provide you with a uniform or shirt, for the duration of your volunteering time with us.
• You will receive training on the job.
• We organise regular team meetings and/or training days and for some roles we have manuals available.
• We expect you to honour your commitment to the role, be punctual, reliable and inform us in a timely manner of any pending absences.
• Work co-operatively with staff and act as part of a team
• Respect patient and family’s privacy, confidentiality and cultural differences
• Adhere to our rules and regulations
• Communicate any hazard and relevant information to the Volunteer Manager
• To have fun and enjoy your role

What about Corporate Volunteering?

Unfortunately we are not able to offer short-term, single day volunteering for groups or individuals. This is because of the time it takes – usually up to 4 weeks - to successfully complete the recruitment and induction process. We do this to safeguard our vulnerable patients.

Can I undertake my high school community service or Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteer requirements?

Due to the minimum age and time commitment required, our volunteer program is not suitable for school community service or Duke of Edinburgh requirements.

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ABCR data is used in a range of research projects.

Here below you will find a list of titles where our data* has been included.
*Personal/service audits and in-house use are excluded.

We value your feedback

To find out more about sharing your compliments, complaints, or other feedback with us, please visit our page on sharing your feedback. Find out more about how you can s hare your thoughts and experiences on our health service through our confidential surveys and online discussions here .

What our patients are saying

Each week we email inpatients who have been discharged within the past one to two weeks to find out about their experience .  We analyze this feedback to to better understand what most directly impacts our patients' satisfaction so that we can make improvments in those areas. The below reports highlight the key things our patients are telling us wirh regard to the care we provide.

Patient experience reports

Six weekly meeting cycle

Week 1 – ADHB Finance, Risk and Assurance Committee and HAC.
Week 2 – WDHB Audit and Finance Committee and HAC.
Week 3 – MHAC or CPHAC and DiSAC*.
Week 4 – ADHB Board.
Week 5 – WDHB Board.
Week 6 – No regular meetings scheduled.

Venues

Grafton– A+ Trust Room, Clinical Education Centre, Level 5, Auckland City Hospital

SDR– Sir Douglas Robb Board Room, Level 7, Building 14, Greenlane Clinical Centre, Greenlane

WDHB – Waitemata District Health Board, Boardroom, Level 1, 15 Shea Terrace, Takapuna

SCR -  Senior Citizens Room, Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files. Many are large (over 500KB) and may take a while to download. If you are experiencing blank pages when opening PDF files, please either upgrade your browser to the latest version, or right click on one of the links and choose "save target as", click "save" and then "click open".

2019

Auckland District Health Board

• 27 February 2019 -Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 10 April - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes

Hospital Advisory Committee

• 20 March - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 13 February 2019 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 4 April - Agenda + previous meeting meetings

Community and Public Health Advisory Committee

• 20 February 2019 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

2018

Auckland District Health Board

• 19 December 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 7 November 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 26 September 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 15 August 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 4 July 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 23 May 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 11 April 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 28 February 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes

Hospital Advisory Committee

• 28 November 2018 - Agenda + previous minutes
• 17 October 2018 - Agenda + previous minutes
• 5 September 2018 - Agenda + previous minutes
• 25 July 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 13 June 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting mintues
• 2 May 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes 
• 21 March 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 7 February 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 28 November 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 6 June 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 14 March 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

Community and Public Health Advisory Committee

• 21 November 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 29 August 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 6 June 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 4 April 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

2017

Auckland District Health Board

• 22 February 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 5 April 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 17 May 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 28 June 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 9 August 2017 - Agenga + previous Board meeting minutes
• 20 September 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 1 November 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 13 December 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes

Hospital Advisory Committee

• 1 February (cancelled)
• 15 March 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 26 April 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 7 June 2017 - Agenda + prevoius meeting minutes
• 19 July 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 30 August 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 11 October 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 22 November 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

Community and Public Health Advisory Committee

• 29 March 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 21 June 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 13 September 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 6 December 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes 

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 29 March 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 21 June 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 6 December 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

2016

Auckland District Health Board

• 17 February 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 30 March 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 11 May 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 22 June 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 3 August 2016 - Agenda + prevoius Board meeting minutes
• 7 September 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 26 October 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 7 December 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes

Hospital Advisory Committee

• 17 February 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 30 March 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 11 May 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 22 June 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 3 August 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 7 September 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 26 October 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 7 December 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes

Community and Public Health Advisory Committee

• 3 February 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes 
• 16 March 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 27 April 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 20 July 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 31 August 2016 -  Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 12 October 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 23 November 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 9 March 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 1 June 2016 -  Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 13 July 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 24 August 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 16 November 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

2015

Auckland District Health Board

• 18 February 2015 - Agenda + previous meeting Minutes
• 1 April 2015 - Agenda + previous meeting Minutes
• 22 April 2015 Special Board Meeting - Agenda + previous meeting Minutes
• 13 May 2015 - Agenda + previous meeting Minutes
• 24 June 2015 -  Agenda + Minutes
• 5 August 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 16 September 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 28 October 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 9 December 2015 - Agenda + Minutes - Part 1
• 9 December 2015 - Part 2

Hospital Advisory Committee 

• 18 February 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 1 April 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 13 May 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 24 June 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 5 August 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 16 September 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 28 October 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 9 December 2015 - Agenda + Minutes

Community and Public Health Advisory Committee

• 4 February 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 18 March 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 29 April 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 10 June 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 22 July 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 September 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 14 October 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 25 November 215 - Agenda + Minutes

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 11 March 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 3 June 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 26 August 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 18 November 2015 - Agenda + Minutes

Industrial action by APEX Medical Physicists

A strike by APEX union Medical Physicists beganwill begin at 7am this Wednesday 10 April and it will end at 7am on Wednesday 17 April.

Medical Physicists are highly trained professionals who help plan radiation treatment for patients, check and monitor radiation equipment, and develop new treatment techniques.

During the strike period, Medical Physicists who are APEX union members and choose to strike arewill not performingperform work at any equipment used for medical imaging or radiation therapy outside of the hours of 7am and 3.30pm, and arewill not performingperform checking tasks related to external beam radiation treatment planning outside the hours of 8am and 12noon.

Patient safety remains our priority and we are continuing to provide radiotherapy services throughout the strike periods.  We are not anticipating delays to treatment and expect any appointment rescheduling to be minimal.                                                                         minimal.                                                                       

What you need to know:

• A strike by APEX union Medical Physicists beganwill begin at 7am this Wednesday 10 April and it will end at 7am on Wednesday 17 April.
• This is not a full withdrawal of labour.
• During the strike period, Medical Physicists who are APEX union members and choose to strike arewill not performingperform work at any equipment used for medical imaging or radiation therapy outside of the hours of 7am and 3.30pm and arewill not performingperform checking tasks related to external beam radiation treatment planning outside the hours of 8am and 12noon.
• If you are a patient, please come to your scheduled appointment unless we have contacted you directly to say their appointment is being rescheduled.
• If you need our care, we are here. We are not anticipating delays to treatment and expect any appointment rescheduling to be minimal.
• During the strike period, if you or a whānau member have a condition that is not urgent or severe, please contact your GP. If it is an emergency, call 111 immediately.
• Free medical advice is available 24/7 through Healthline, phone 0800 HEALTHLINE (0800 611 116).

We respect our Medical Physicists’ right to strike and know the decision whether to strike or whether to work is a very difficult decision to make.

As part of our commitment to providing quality intensive care, the DCCM actively promotes research. The Treaty of Waitangi acts as a mandate for the good health of all New Zealanders and health research is an integral part of this. Research involves nurses, doctors, pharmacists, dieticians, and radiographers.

With modern intensive care most patients now survive, but some conditions continue to be very difficult to treat. To help improve the care of all patients, we are involved in research that helps us to determine which treatments are most effective and is an ongoing process to improve patient care.

Information for research participants

If you are asked by staff for consent for your family member to be involved in a research study, it is helpful to know that:

• The care your family member receives will not be affected by their participation or non-participation in a research study.
• Participation is voluntary. Consent may be withdrawn at any time without affecting the care your family member receives. Observational audits/studies which don't identify your family member may not always require consent.
• Maori will be offered the same opportunities as non-Maori to participate in research and benefit from the results. Achieving a nation that manifests equity and fairness benefits the whole of Aotearoa and the right to collective wellbeing.
• The DCCM is affiliated with the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group and the University of Auckland.
• All research conducted has the prior approval of a New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committee or the Ministry of Health and the ADHB Research Office.Health.

Useful research contacts

Research nurses

We welcome your comments and questions. You can phone the research nurses on 09 307 4949 ext 24800 and ask to speak to a research coordinator.

Māori research support

If you you have any specific concerns we encourage you to talk to your whānau first. Alternatively you are welcome to phone the administrator for He Kamaka Waiora (Māori health team) on 09 486 8324 ext 2324 or further information is available  here. 

If you have any questions or complaints about any study, phone the Auckland and Waitematā District Health Boards Maori Research Committee or Maori Research Advisor on 09 486 8920 ext 3204.

Health and disability contacts

If you or your family member have any queries or concerns regarding your rights as a research participant, phone the  Health and Disability Advocacy on 0800 555 050.

Within Auckland DHB, we have well over 400 volunteers working in fixed volunteer positions across Auckland City Hospital, Starship, Te Whetu Tawera and Greenlane Clinical Centre. They generously give their time, skills and energy to our patients and their families: from our Blue Coat Ambassadors who meet and greet patients and visitors, to our Hospital Grandparents and Companion Volunteers who work one-on-one with patients and provide caring support. Our volunteers are critically important to our DHB and to the people we serve.

The Volunteer Centre run by our volunteers management team offers you on the job training and ongoing support, as well as a car park and food voucher for each shift. In some volunteering roles you may also get the chance to hear from experienced health professionals regarding various topics related to Volunteering roles. If you're interested in joining our team of dedicated volunteers please chose from one of our available volunteer positions . Before applying for one of our positions, please check our  frequently asked questions.

There are also a number of externally run volunteer services which are listed here .

Corporate Volunteering: Please note that we are not able to offer short-term, single day volunteering for groups or individuals.

Auckland DHB volunteer positions

• Administration volunteer (no vacancies)
• Administration Volunteer: writer for monthly newsletter  (No Vacancies)
  
• Blue Coats Ambassador Services Auckland City Hospital  Apply now
  
• Blue Coats Ambassador Services Greenlane Clinical Centre Apply now
• Companion Volunteers Rehab wards Auckland City Hospital  Apply now
• Starship Family Support Volunteers  Apply now
• Starship Hospital Grandparents (no vacancies)
  
• Starship Information Desk (no vacancies)
  
• Starship Play and Recreation Department -  Apply now
• Starship Toy Library   Apply Now
  
• Starship School assistant volunteers - (no vacancies)
  
• Starship Pet programme - (no vacancies)
  
• Auckland City Mental Health Unit - Te Whetu Tawera - Musicians**

For further information please contactLindy Lely by email.

**To apply for the musicians posting at Te Whetu Tawera please contact Julie Hagan at jhagan@adhb.govt.nz or ring on 021 270 2114 mobile.

Volunteer position descriptions

Administration volunteers

From time-to-time, administration volunteers are required to support a staff member or to work in the Volunteer Centre. This role is supportive and requires a helpful and practical attitude. The desired skills are:

• General office skills (filing, photocopying, data entry, taking phone messages and responding to emails).
• Competence with computers.
• Keeping brochures and booklets updated.
• Special projects.

Shift information: Flexible, to suit your lifestyle

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Administration Volunteer: Writer for monthly newsletter 

This role is to assist the volunteer manager in putting the monthly Auckland DHB volunteers' newsletters together. This newsletter has a large readership within Auckland DHB and therefore we are looking for a person with creative writing skills and experience with page design. 

Shift information: Flexible to suit your lifestyle. 

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Blue Coats Ambassador Service for Auckland City Hospital 

Can you relate to coming into the hospital, not knowing where to go to see a loved one or how to get to an appointment? Become a beloved Blue Coat and help make a difference to how we meet and greet visitors and patients at Auckland City Hospital. If your warm smile and lifetime experience to customer service and people skills are second to none, become part of our team! We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We aim to have a strong, committed team.

Auckland City Hospital Shift times are:

Monday to Friday        

• 09:00am - 12.30pm                                                                          
• 12:30pm - 04:00pm                                                                      
• 04:00pm - 07:30pm                        

Saturday                    

• 11:00am - 02:30pm          

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Blue Coats Ambassador Service for Greenlane Clinical Centre

Can you relate to coming into the hospital, not knowing how to get to an appointment? Become a beloved Blue Coat and help make a difference to how we meet and greet visitors and patients. At Greelane Clinical Centre which is a day-clinic, you will be mostly dealing with day-stay patients and their families. If your warm smile and lifetime experience to customer service and people skills are second to none, become part of our team! We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We aim to have a strong, committed team.

Greenlane Clinical Centre Shift times are:

Monday to Friday

• 08:00am - 12:00pm 
• 12:00pm - 04:00pm      

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Starship Information Desk

This volunteer service provides non-medical assistance to patients, parents, other relatives and visitors to the hospital. Their role is to meet and greet patients/families on arrival and to offer assistance to get them to clinics, wards and other facilities as required.  Often people coming into the hospital are under stress and need reassurance and helpful assistance.

We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We aim to have a strong, committed team.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday

• 10:00 - 01:00pm
• 01:00 - 04:00pm

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Companion Volunteers  A: Rehab or B: Women's Health

A: Rehabilitation (Reablement) 

Are you looking to brighten someone’s day? Join our friendly team of Companion Volunteers working with patients from older people’s health and all ages rehabilitation wards at Auckland City Hospital.

You will have the opportunity to engage with patients, in group settings and one-on-one, through a wide variety of activities including: playing games, arts and crafts, conversations, meal times, reading or speech practice. You will be making a real difference to our patients’ experience.

We will offer you training, ongoing support and a car park- and food voucher after each shift. You will also get the chance to hear from experienced health professionals about topics like speech therapy and dementia.

If you are 18 years or over, have amazing communication and interpersonal skills, then we would love to hear from you! You will need to be able to commit to a minimum period of 6 months, for at least one shift each week.

Shift times are:

Monday to Saturday

• 10:30am - 01:30pm

Monday to Friday (evenings)

• 4:00pm - 7:00pm

B: Women's Health 

Companion Volunteers at Women's Health are carefully selected to provide and support patients on our Women's Health wards who require require long antenatal stays for several weeks or months. Volunteers work either one-on-one or in group activities.  Responsibilities can include listening to and talking with patients, providing useful and ward approved websites, organising arts and crafts, games or providing entertainment such as playing a musical instrument.

We are seeking people with specific qualities to become Companion Volunteers:

• be a good listener and communicator, be good-natured and non-judgmental 
• big-hearted, compassionate and want to spend meaningful time with patients
• have a confident and creative talent for keeping patients engaged and entertained
• must be able to commit to at least one or more full 3 hour shift per week for a period of no less than 6 months.

The role of Comapnion Volunteer at Women's Health is a highly rewarding and valuable experience gained by spending worthwhile time with patients who can benefit enormously from the social companionship, practical assistance and encouragement a volunteer can provide.

Shift Information:

Monday - Saturday

  10:30 AM - 1:30 PM (includes 30 minute break)

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Starship Family support volunteers

These volunteers provide support, orientation and companionship for parents and caregivers, particularly those from other geographical areas and DHBs. By referral, volunteers are available to spend time with families who are experiencing additional stress, such as waiting for their child to have an operation. Family support volunteers should be confident, friendly and outgoing; have a helpful and willing approach to people; be sensitive and caring and have a good general knowledge of the area and public transport system. We ask that you commit to one shift per week for a minimum period of 12 months, due to the time it takes to get through the recuitment screening and your probation time.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday

• 10am – 12pm + flexible options

Musicians (Vacancies Available) - The Auckland City Mental Health Unit - Te Whetu Tawera

Do you play guitar, piano, flute, violin, harp, ukulele or any other musical instrument? The Auckland City Mental Health Unit  - Te Whetu Tawera - is wanting volunteers to come and play for people who are in the Hospital. You don't have to be a professional musician, just someone who plays proficiently and who enjoys sharing their music with others. People who come into the Unit say that the music is calming and helps them to relax. The hours are flexible, you will be very well supported by the Coordinator and a group training session is held before you start. We are located in the Auckland City Hospital grounds - Building 35, next to the Auckland Domain.  Please note that all our Volunteers have to be 18 years old or over. 

If this sounds like something you might like to do, please email Julie Hagan at jhagan@adhb.govt.nz or ring on 021 270 2114 mobile.

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Starship Pet Programme

Pet Therapy Programme volunteers facilitate the visits of especially selected and trained SPCA therapy pets and their pet owners onto the Starship Hospital wards. The role of the Pet Therapy volunteer on Auckland DHB’s side is to team up with the SPCA volunteer and their dog and to guide them to the Starship wards, organise the visits from the children and ensure hand hygiene at all times. We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the role. We aim to have a strong, committed team. Volunteers need to:

• Be comfortable around animals.
• Have previous recent experience with children.
• Be tactful, sensitive, non judgmental and mature.
• Be comfortable in a hospital setting.
• Be organised and confident.
• Be able to deal with stress.

Shift times are:

Wednesday

• 1.15 - 2.45pm

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Starship School assistant volunteers

School assistant volunteers assist qualified teachers in the on-site hospital school, providing one-on-one help to children in the classroom. Suitably trained and vetted volunteers may visit children in their rooms. School volunteers must have recent experience with children. Recent experience in the classroom may be an advantage but is not essential. We are looking for flexible self-starters, who are patient, tactful and non judgemental, can commit time on a regular and ongoing basis and be willing to maintain the cleanliness of equipment as required.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday

• 10am – 11.45am
• 1.30pm – 2.15pm

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Starship Hospital Grandparents

The Hospital Grandparents are carefully selected volunteers who provide regular caring support, on a one-on-one basis, for children and families. Hospital Grandparents care mainly for children whose families cannot be with them all the time, long-term patients and children from out of town. All contact is on a referral basis.  Grandparents are sometimes required to be with children while they undergo procedures such as x-rays, blood transfusions and chemotherapy. The role of a grandparent can be emotionally demanding but is usually also very rewarding.  We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the role. We aim to have a strong, committed team.  If you can tick the boxes on the criteria below than we love to receive your application.

• Have a good level of experience with children and have a genuine love for them.
• Be patient, tactful, mature, flexible and non judgemental.
• Be able to form good relationships with family and staff.
• Be good listeners.
• Be able to commit to shifts on a regular and ongoing basis.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday 

• 9.40am–12.00pm

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Starship play and recreation department

Play and recreation volunteers require prior experience with children. They help provide play and recreational activities in ward and outpatient playrooms under the supervision of hospital play specialists.therapists. Suitably trained and vetted volunteers may sometimes visit children in their rooms with the charge nurse's permission and play specialist's supervision. We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the role.

Duties may include:

• Play and interaction with children under the supervision of a play specialist.
• Making resources for art activities.
• Cleaning toys and furniture after each play session.
• Checking stock in store rooms.
• Photocopying.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday 

• Flexible hours between 09:00am - 12 noon orand 04:00pm
• 1.00pm - 4.00pm

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Starship Toy Library

Volunteers provide a service delivering toys, games and activities to children in the wards Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.  We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We aim to have a strong, committed team. If you can tick the boxes on the following criteria we love to receive your application.

• Have previous recent experience with children.
• Have good organisational skills.
• Be confident, tactful, non judgemental and flexible.
• Be comfortable in a hospital setting.
• Be willing to clean toys and games.
• Be able to commit to at least four hours, one day a week.

Shift times are:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

• 9am - 12noon

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Externally run volunteer positions

Chaplaincy assistants

Our chaplaincy assistants work with our professionally trained chaplains to provide pastoral care and spiritual support of our patients, their family/whānau and hospital staff. Chaplaincy care is offered to all who wish to receive it within our sites. Both the chaplains and chaplaincy assistants are employed by the Interchurch Council for Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa New Zealand (ICH) . Volunteer chaplaincy assistants must be members of good standing with their denominational church or organisation. They are required to participate in a training programme which includes a 20-hour programme held over 10 weeks. This covers a range of knowledge and skills required to begin work in the wards. Chaplaincy assistants work under the supervision of a chaplain. A minimum of two hours a week is asked of our volunteer staff. Ongoing education and professional support are offered regularly to enhance our volunteers' knowledge and skills.

For those considering being a volunteer chaplaincy assistant or those who would like to return to volunteer with our team, please contact our Chaplaincy Coordinator Rev Young Jun You on 021 916 569 or  email.

Cancer Society volunteers

Oncology support

Having cancer treatment can be a challenging experience. To help make it a little easier, the Cancer Society has a team of volunteers working in the Auckland City Hospital Oncology Department. These volunteers complement the support given by hospital staff and help provide a supportive and positive experience for people having cancer treatment and those accompanying them by:

• Welcoming patients and their supporters to the Oncology Centre and helping them find their way around.
• Offering tea, coffee and a friendly chat.
• Providing information about the support offered by the Cancer Society and guiding people to hospital staff for support and information.

Oncology support volunteers, also known as 'Yellow Shirts', receive ongoing training and support from the Cancer Society. They can be identified by their bright yellow t-shirts, Cancer Society lanyard and hospital identity card.

Volunteer drivers

Cancer Society volunteer drivers pick people up from their homes, take them to their cancer treatment and return them home again. For some people cancer treatment can be an ongoing journey - on a daily basis for many weeks, even months. Many people are too unwell to drive themselves or find it difficult to rely on family and friends for such a long period of time. The Cancer Society's Volunteer Driving Service helps relieve stress on patients and their families during what is already a difficult time, and ensures they are able to attend all of their appointments. The volunteer driving office is located in the Radiation Therapy Department at Auckland City Hospital and is home to the Cancer Society's volunteer co-ordinators.

To find out more about becoming a Cancer Society volunteer please call 09 308 0496,  email  or  visit their website .

Friends of the Emergency Department

These volunteers provide comfort, information and non-clinical support to patients and family while they're waiting for or undergoing treatment in the emergency department. The work involves:

• Sitting, listening to and talking with patients or helping them find things like a magazine or telephone.
• Assisting relatives in family whānau rooms.
• Keeping a reassuring eye on patients in the waiting room.
• Assisting with dependent relatives and/or children.
• Helping out with the delivery and serving of meals and cups of tea and making beds.
• Assisting with the general tidiness of public areas.
• Key requirements include excellent communication skills, a compassionate and caring nature, tact and sensitivity, and an appreciation of different cultures and age groups.

If you have what it takes to become a Friend of the Emergency Department, phone St John on 0800 780 780.

Radio Lollipop

Radio Lollipop is an independent international not-for-profit organisation, founded in the UK. It provides play and radio programmes in Starship Hospital five evenings a week. One evening is specifically for adolescents. Volunteers visit the children in the wards with games and activities and occasionally organise theme evenings and special guests. Volunteers must be willing to attend a compulsory information evening for prospective volunteers held twice a year, be mature and reliable, have experience with children and be comfortable around them and be familiar with a hospital environment. For further information please contact Radio Lollipop on 09 377 3997 to leave messages or  email . 

Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, committed to improving the lives of vulnerable people both at home and internationally. Red Cross volunteers manage a retail shop trolley at Auckland City Hospital to allow patients to purchase basic requirements, personal items and newspapers. These volunteers report to a Red Cross volunteers co-ordinator and operate from the Volunteer Centre. Red Cross volunteers must be mature and sensitive to patients' needs, non judgemental, comfortable handling money, work with a partner, be absolutely trustworthy and be able to commit time on an ongoing basis. For more information, contact Rob High, Service Centre Coordinator on 09 262 0942 or  email . 

Youthtown

Youthtown is a not-for-profit organisation that has been active in New Zealand since 1932. Its purpose is simple – to inspire young people to realise their potential through physical, social and creative experiences. Helping New Zealand's youth to succeed and flourish is what drives the organisation and, as part of their mission, Youthtown runs school holiday art and recreation programmes in the atrium and in the teen lounge at Starship Hospital. It is open to patients, siblings and visitors alike. Volunteers must have experience with children and have a background or interest in art and/or crafts. For further information please contact Sian Neary, Programme Director on 09 379 5430, extension 812.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please note these FAQ's do not apply for the externally run volunteer positions .

Can I volunteer?

We are proud that our volunteers come from all walks of life, all ages and ethnic and religious backgrounds. We seek volunteers that have a mature and caring attitude. Volunteers who speak languages other than English are appreciated. If you meet our eligibility criteria you are most welcome to send in your application online.

We would love to hear from you if you:

1. are aged 18 years of age or over
2. are able to commit to volunteering at least  one shift per week
3. are able to commit to volunteering for   6 months  or more
4. have no criminal history of violence drug offences, sex offences, or crimes against children, and if you are willing to obtain a Police Check and for some roles a TB and immunity check history through a blood-test.
5. are able to contribute skills and experiences obtained from previous work, or volunteer experience in a similar role, with referees able to attest to this.

How much experience is needed?

While previous volunteer experience is highly regarded, this is by no means a requirement. We encourage a diverse range of applicants and all volunteers receive training as required. No medical knowledge or expertise is required.

What if I don’t meet the criteria?

Most public hospitals within the Auckland area have Volunteer Programs. You could contact the hospital in your area to find out about their opportunities and you could also contact Volunteering Auckland .

Will volunteering help me to get a job at the hospital?

Unfortunately volunteering will not assist you to secure a job at the hospital and we discourage applications from candidates whose motivation is to improve their career prospects. It may of course help you to decide whether a career in health is for you.

Can I choose where I work?

You as the volunteer apply for the role of your choice and after a discussion with the Volunteer Manager during an interview, a role can be assigned to you based on your availability, skills and experience and in keeping with the hospitals priorities.

What shifts are available?

The shifts available vary depending on the role, program, and hospital priorities. However most roles operate within 8:00am and 19:30pm (please see actual shift times with listed roles on the website).

How do I apply?

You can apply to volunteer for any off the roles that display the “apply now” link and complete the online application. We look forward to hearing from you!

What does the application process involve?

• You be asked to attend an interview
• We will ask you to sign a consent form to obtain a National Police Check and  for some roles you may be asked for your consent to undergo a blood check here at the Hospital Lab
• After the interview we will conduct reference checks

 Once I have successfully completed the recruitment screening what is expected of me?

• You can expect an invitation to return to the Volunteer centre for an induction, where we will introduce you to our health & safety regulations, emergency response and some of our do’s and don’ts.
• We will provide you with an Auckland DHB ID badge and for some roles we will provide you with a uniform or shirt, for the duration of your volunteering time with us.
• You will receive training on the job.
• We organise regular team meetings and/or training days and for some roles we have manuals available.
• We expect you to honour your commitment to the role, be punctual, reliable and inform us in a timely manner of any pending absences.
• Work co-operatively with staff and act as part of a team
• Respect patient and family’s privacy, confidentiality and cultural differences
• Adhere to our rules and regulations
• Communicate any hazard and relevant information to the Volunteer Manager
• To have fun and enjoy your role

What about Corporate Volunteering?

Unfortunately we are not able to offer short-term, single day volunteering for groups or individuals. This is because of the time it takes – usually up to 4 weeks - to successfully complete the recruitment and induction process. We do this to safeguard our vulnerable patients.

Can I undertake my high school community service or Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteer requirements?

Due to the minimum age and time commitment required, our volunteer program is not suitable for school community service or Duke of Edinburgh requirements.

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The Auckland Breast Cancer Study Group (ABCSG)ABCSG recognised the need for a comprehensive database designed to assist with the ongoing management, research, and audit of cancer. As a result, the Auckland Breast Cancer Register (ABCR) was established on 1 ^st June 2000 after approval was granted by the Northern Ethics Committee.

The ABCR holds information on diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of patients within the Auckland region.  Patient confidentiality is maintained at all times and only de-identified data is presented and reported from the Register. This information can then be used by the Study Group to feed back into the community for improved future management.

Our history

Established in 1976, the Auckland Breast Cancer Study Group (ABCSG)ABCSG consists of a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians with a particular interest in breast cancer and research. The membership includes representatives from the subspecialties of surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology, consumers and allied health professionals including breast physicians and breast care nurses. For nearly 40 years, the Study Group has worked with international organisations on a number of clinical trials spanning both early and advanced breast cancer.

In the Auckland region between 1976 and 1985 the ABCSG established a comprehensive computerised breast cancer database. Information on 2700 cases of breast cancer provided the resource for some 30 publications. The Register, however, was discontinued in 1985 for various reasons.

In 1996 ABCSG members agreed that a new breast cancer registry should be established initially in the Auckland region and ultimately nationally. Against a background of important developments in a number of areas in breast cancer (including advances in genetics, screening and detection, surgery, radiation therapy and systemic therapy) there was a need for a new, comprehensive database to provide a resource for ongoing audit and research. The Auckland Breast Cancer Register (ABCR)ABCR was established on the 1st June 2000. Ethics Approval was obtained from the Auckland Ethics Committee.

In June 2013, the Charities Commission approved the ABCSG application for registration as a charitable entity. The governance of the Register is under the BCF Breast Register Trust.Trust, which in the process of being registered as on August 2018. The finalisation of the Trust, its members and TOR are currently underway.

Our aims

1. Recording complete information on diagnosis and treatment.

2. Describing risk factors and prognostic variables.

3. Assessing survival rates.

4. Assessing patterns of care and aspects of multidisciplinary management.

5. Reviewing outcomes of defined patient groups compared with predicted outcomes.

6. Comparing patient outcomes within and outside trials to assist in directing further research.

Its objective is to provide data that will assist health care providers and planners formulate clinical basis for improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with breast cancer, and be able to evaluate local patterns of care and outcomes that can be compared with national and international standards.

The project has received  Ethics Committee Approval and has been declared a Quality Assurance Activity under Part VI of the Medical Practitioners Act 1995.

New Zealand Breast Cancer Register

The ABCR covers the Waitemata, Auckland and Counties Manukau District Health Boards. Together with the three other regional breast cancer registers ( Waikato : which covers the Waikato DHB,  Wellington : Wairarapa, Capital & Coast, Hutt Valley DHBs, and  Christchurch : Canterbury DHB), approximately 63% of all New Zealand breast cancer registrations (around  1600 per annum) are collected. 

Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand has funded a project to consolidate the regional registers into a single, modern, web-based platform that will add significant value towards future-proofing these valuable datasets. The new platform has made it easier for data to be made available to clinicians for clinical decision-making and review of outcomes, standards of treatment, scientific research and audits. The ultimate vision of collecting these data is to drive improvements in our treatment and care of breast cancer in New Zealand.  The consolidation is now complete with all the data stored on one common platform at Ministry of Health alongside similar clinical registries. Patient data will remain confidential and coded to ensure details are not identifiable. The partnership has been a collaboration between the Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand, Ministry of Health and the National Health Information Technology Board. 

For more information on the NZBCR including the Participant Information Sheet (Patient Brochure) please contact The Register StaffThe Register Staff or  BCFNZ at 0800 BCNurse

The Auckland Breast Cancer Study Group gratefully acknowledges the funding of the Register by Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand and the administrative support of the Auckland District Health Board.