The volunteer in a general hospital has two main roles: one to act as patient's friend and helper, and the other to help hospital people retain that precious human touch so vital to good care. within this context the volunteer can undertake a wide range of tasks which complement those of the paid staff and which release them to concentrate upon their own specialist work. In addition, the very presence of volunteers in hospital leads to greater community involvement and participation in the affairs of the hospital. Volunteers who see the daily life of patients and staff, and their problems, can become powerful friends and supporters of the hospital, not only as volunteers giving service, but also as members of the public pressing for more national and local resources to be devoted to improving standards of health care. In this publication are listed a variety of jobs that are being done in general and children's hospitals or departments by volunteers.