End of Life Care Volunteering
This group has been formed to support trusts, health boards and charities where volunteers play an integral part in supporting and enhancing the holistic care that people experience at the end of life. Marie Curie and Helpforce are working together to increase the number of volunteers supporting patients approaching the end of life in hospitals and communities across the UK. The partnership is supporting NHS organisations across the UK to develop their own end of life volunteering services.
The group is for anyone with an interest in End of Life Care volunteering, whether you already manage an End of Life Care service or would like to work with us to adopt a similar model in your own organisation.
This is a public group which means that the resources can be accessed by anyone and the discussion topics are visible. The content of the discussions and member profiles can only be accessed by group members.
Activity Wall
Referral process
Hi all,
@Martin Lammie posted this question in a general forum, but I thought I should share his question here so you might be able to help him:
His question is: I am just looking for some ideas on what to include in the referral for the End of Life Companion Service. What have other trusts included in this document, are staff working on wards happy to fill this in online or paper based?
Thank you so much,
Vy
End of Life care project - I&I support
Hi there,
Please find attached the presentation of how I&I can support the end of life project.
Proper training is essential for volunteers working in end of life care
Research
Nationwide survey on volunteers' training in hospice and palliative care in Poland
Leszek Pawłowski1,
Monika Lichodziejewska-Niemierko1,
Iga Pawłowska2,
Wojciech Leppert3 and
Piotr Mróz1
Author affiliations
Abstract
Background Volunteers working in hospice and palliative care facilities in Poland undertake various activities which are performed in accordance with legal regulations and the individual policies of each hospice. The aim of this study was to explore the roles and training of volunteers working in hospice and palliative care settings.
Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out that investigated the services performed by volunteers and their preparation for work within residential hospices. Questionnaires were distributed to volunteers and hospice representatives, and the responses obtained underwent statistical analysis.
Participants A total of 180 volunteers and 28 hospice representatives from 29 residential hospices participated in this survey.
Results All hospices surveyed were supported by volunteers. 79% of volunteers worked alongside patients and performed the following services: accompanying patients (76%), feeding patients (61%), cleaning rooms (48%), dressing and bathing (42%) and organising leisure time (40%). Fewer volunteers were involved in activities outside of patient support—for example, charity work and fundraising (34%), cleaning hospice buildings (23%) as well as providing information and education (22%). According to volunteers, prior to undertaking their duties, 64% participated in theoretical training and 37% took part in a practical course. The majority attended courses relating to general knowledge of hospice and palliative care (64%) and volunteer rights and duties (55%).
Conclusions Overall, proper training was an essential requirement needed to be fulfilled by volunteers, particularly when involved in direct patient support. Most volunteers were simultaneously involved in various areas of service; therefore, their training should be comprehensive.
Welcome to the End of Life Care group!
Hello all, a very warm welcome to the End of Life Care Volunteering group. We hope that you will find this space useful for making connections, collaborating with colleagues and sharing knowledge and ideas. As it's a new group the content is in its early stages so please do add anything you would like to share, or any questions you would like to ask the group, by using the red Contribute button. You can add images, attachments, news or just comments to make the group come alive. We'd love to hear your feedback so please do get in touch to let us know your thoughts - you can message Vy or me directly via our profiles.
Very best wishes,
Sally
Volunteer Companion role description: Aintree University Hospitals
Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides a programme of care enabling patients to experience dignity and comfort throughout the final stages of their lives. Care is delivered in the ward setting and provides holistic support to the patients and their families/carers, and incorporates consideration of cultural and lifestyle values.
The Rose project: supporting end-of-life care in Watford hospital
The Rose volunteers provide support for dying patients, their families and friends. This guide provides information about the role and how to get involved.
The most active members of this group
End of Life Care Volunteering
This group has been formed to support trusts, health boards and charities where volunteers play an integral part in supporting and enhancing the holistic care that people experience at the end of life. Marie Curie and Helpforce are working together to increase the number of volunteers supporting patients approaching the end of life in hospitals and communities across the UK. The partnership is supporting NHS organisations across the UK to develop their own end of life volunteering services.
The group is for anyone with an interest in End of Life Care volunteering, whether you already manage an End of Life Care service or would like to work with us to adopt a similar model in your own organisation.
This is a public group which means that the resources can be accessed by anyone and the discussion topics are visible. The content of the discussions and member profiles can only be accessed by group members.