Emergency Friend: Role description

“HEARING THE CRY OF THE HUMAN HEART AND RESPONDING SENSITIVELY”

Many of our patients, especially the elderly and vulnerable, will be feeling very alone and isolated while in our Emergency Department (ED). Our Emergency Friends are reliable, committed and empathetic. They assist patients and relatives to complete the FFT survey; encourage and empower them to share feedback. Emergency Friends support staff in non-clinical tasks, such as filing, calling relatives, tidying areas or running errands to aid discharge home. There is an age restriction for this role, for people aged 25 and over.

A key component is spending time with patients and taking part in activities such as playing games with patients, having a conversation, sitting with patients who have no visitors to help combat loneliness and reassure nervous patients by keeping them company or assist with the supervision of children as required due to patient’s treatment. Help patients during mealtimes, issuing hand wipes, serving refreshments and replenishing water jugs, encouraging our patients to eat and support feeding, when trained and clinically safe to do so. Emergency Friends meet and greet patients in the triage/ waiting room area ensuring they are seated in the right waiting area, escort mobile patients to other parts of the hospital, as directed by senior staff advising/ assisting patients and relatives of other services offered by the hospital, ensure patients know where facilities are located and to help patients contact their relatives using an iPad.

Would suit:
Someone who is outgoing and a people person. Patience and empathy are essential qualities.

Commitment:
Usually one morning, afternoon or evening per week.

For the full role description please download the attached PDF

You may also be interested in:

• Generic support
• A & E Buddy
• A & E Volunteer
• ED support role