Would you like to help improve access to healthcare for people without a valid residence permit? As a volunteer Healthcare Appointment Companion, you accompany patients to healthcare appointments when support is needed.

Healthcare Appointment Companion (Volunteer)

Would you like to help improve access to healthcare for people without a valid residence permit? As a volunteer Healthcare Appointment Companion, you accompany patients to healthcare appointments when support is needed.

About Access to Healthcare
People without valid residence documents often face barriers when accessing healthcare. They may be unable to obtain health insurance, face language barriers, or have limited knowledge of the healthcare system.
To help overcome these barriers, Red Cross volunteers accompany patients to appointments. They assist with travelling to the healthcare facility, registration at reception, and, with the patient’s consent, may provide support during consultations.

What will you do?
When a partner organisation requests support, the coordinator contacts the volunteer team. If you are available, you will receive an assignment brief with information about the patient, the appointment, and relevant patient rights.
During the assignment, you can always contact the coordinator for support. Your main role is to help the patient feel safe and comfortable throughout the appointment.

As a Healthcare Appointment Companion, you will:

Be familiar with the healthcare rights of people without a valid residence permit.

Help ensure that the patient arrives on time.

Support the patient during consultations or examinations, with their consent.

Share relevant information with healthcare staff when necessary.

Through your presence and support, you help patients get the most out of their healthcare appointments.

Who are you?
No experience is required. We are looking for someone who:

Is culturally sensitive and takes initiative.

Remains calm in challenging situations.

Enjoys working with people from different backgrounds.

Speaks English well. Speaking Twi, Portuguese, Spanish, or Tigrinya is a plus.

Works in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

Once you get started
As a Red Cross volunteer:

You are available for at least one shift (4 hours) every two weeks for a minimum period of one year. Assignments are offered on an on-call basis.

You complete four e-learning modules (approximately three hours in total) and may participate in additional training sessions and thematic meetings. First Aid training is mandatory.

A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required. You must be registered in the Netherlands and have a BSN. The Red Cross arranges and pays for the application.

What do we offer?

Four e-learning modules and a thematic meeting to help you further develop your knowledge and skills.

Opportunities to grow and make the best use of your talents, with support from the Red Cross.

Social gatherings and dinners to get to know fellow volunteers.

A meaningful volunteer role within the largest humanitarian organisation in the Netherlands.

Reimbursement of travel expenses and comprehensive insurance coverage while carrying out your volunteer work.

Ready to make an impact?