Become a Medical Buddy
What you've been through could help someone else.
If you've experienced an operation, procedure or medical treatment, you'll remember what it was like beforehand.
The questions. The uncertainty. Perhaps the worry.
You may also remember how valuable it would have been to speak to someone who could simply say:
“I've been there. I know what you're going through.”
Now your experience could help someone else.
How do I become a Medical Buddy
1. Tell Us About Yourself
Complete our short application and tell us about the medical procedure or treatment you've experienced.
2. We Talk to You
Before becoming a Buddy, we'll make sure you understand how Medical Buddy works, the boundaries of the role and our approach to privacy and safeguarding.
3. Become Available
Once approved, we'll record the experiences you're comfortable discussing.
4. Help Someone Who Needs You
When somebody is looking for a Buddy and your experience may be relevant, we'll contact you.
You always decide whether you want to accept.
Become a Medical Buddy
What a Medical Buddy Doesn't Do
Medical Buddies are not healthcare professionals in their role as a Buddy.
You should never:
• Diagnose a medical condition
• Recommend or discourage a particular treatment
• Tell someone to change or stop medication
• Interpret medical test results
• Contradict someone's healthcare team
• Promise a particular medical outcome
You can say:
“This is what happened to me.”
You shouldn't say:
“This is what you should do.”
Medical questions should always be referred back to the person's healthcare team.
Your Experience Matters
Something you went through months or even years ago could make a difficult day easier for somebody else today.
A conversation may take only a short time.
But to someone who's frightened about what lies ahead, it could mean a great deal.
Be the person you might have wanted to talk to.
Medical Buddy — You Are Not Alone
Volunteer Requirements
We’re still finalising the detailed volunteer requirements for Medical Buddies.
For now, the most important things are that you:
• Have personal experience of a medical procedure or treatment
• Are willing to listen without judgement
• Are happy to share your own experience honestly and sensitively
• Can respect privacy and personal boundaries
We’ll explain everything clearly before you start and you can always decide what you’re comfortable with.