Delaware hospitals seek volunteers for clinical and non-clinical support

The Delaware Healthcare Association is calling for volunteers to sign up to provide staffing support for Delaware hospitals at deha.org/hospitalhelp during the current COVID-19 surge.

The new online sign-up form is intended for those willing to commit to two or more shifts of work per week at a local Delaware hospital to help fill clinical and non-clinical support roles to help alleviate staffing challenges.

“In times of crisis, Americans have always come forward and pitched in,” said Wayne Smith, president and CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association. “The hour of need is upon us. Delaware hospitals need your help to meet the great challenge that visits us and must be met.”

“The COVID-19 crisis strains hospital staff and resources. We need your help! Delaware hospitals need volunteers to provide support to ensure our healthcare workforce can focus on patient care. To answer the call, please visit deha.org/hospitalhelp and sign up,” said Smith.

The Delaware Healthcare Association is looking for volunteers who may have prior healthcare experience as well those from the general public who may be able to fill non-clinical support roles, such as assisting with patient registration, answering phones, cleaning rooms or delivering supplies. The deha.org/hospitalhelp online sign-up form provides volunteers with different options from which to choose, including which type of clinical or non-clinical role they would be able to fill, as well as the amount of time they can give.

DHA is pushing the volunteer sign-up site out through social media and is working with Delaware higher education institutions to direct volunteers to the site. Gov. John Carney also encouraged Delawareans to sign up during his Jan. 18 press briefing. He will be making a video appeal to support volunteer response to this call.

After volunteers complete the online form, DHA will provide hospitals with the list of volunteers in their county. Volunteers may or may not be contacted by a hospital based on candidate qualifications and hospital need. DHA asks that candidates do not follow up for a status update once forms are submitted, as staffing shortages are affecting all departments and status updates will not be provided.