Singapore's healthcare institutions are increasingly training youth volunteers for para-clinical roles, equipping them with specialized skills to support frontline patient care. This initiative moves beyond traditional volunteer duties, aiming to integrate volunteers more meaningfully into healthcare settings and potentially expand the future talent pool for healthcare professionals.
At Assisi Hospice, youth volunteers are receiving training in specific clinical tasks. This includes assisting with patient comfort through hygiene care and providing empathetic companionship, thereby easing the workload for nursing staff. The hospice has seen steady growth in volunteer numbers, with a significant portion being young individuals.
The Centre for Healthcare Innovation is also developing structured learning pathways for volunteers, including para-clinical initiatives like assisting in pharmacy operations. These programs aim to equip participants with transferable caregiving skills applicable within their communities.
However, retaining youth volunteers presents challenges due to their academic and personal commitments. Hospitals are implementing flexible scheduling, including weekend programs and adjustments during exam periods, to encourage sustained involvement. Some institutions are also looking to elderly volunteers for weekday support, leveraging their availability and dialect proficiency.