Hospital Ward Volunteer - Role description

Our Community Hospital Wards have patients admitted from all over the county for rehabilitation and palliative care. Volunteers are vital on our wards in providing stimulation and company for patients. Keeping patients motivated is essential for their wellbeing and recovery. Support at mealtimes means that patients get the extra encouragement they need.

This role involves:

• Keeping patients company by engaging in conversation
• Doing activities with patients such as games, puzzles, crafts
• Motivating patients to complete self-directed therapy
• Supporting at mealtimes by handing out meals or encouraging patients to eat and drink
• Helping patients to keep in touch with their family through virtual visiting
• Meeting and greeting visitors to show them the way
• Fetching items for patients from the shop e.g. newspaper

This role would suit people who:

• Enjoy conversation and meeting new people
• Can be sympathetic and understanding of patients’ needs
• Can use their initiative as well as working under direction
• Can work well in a team

What to expect from the role:

• To gain experience of working directly with patients in a hospital setting
• To increase your knowledge of hospital wards and long-term conditions
• The opportunity to use your experiences to support others
• The opportunity to support vulnerable people in your community

Mandatory training for this role:

• Completion of virtual handbook – Your Volunteer Journey
• Volunteer Induction Session (3hrs face to face or virtual)
• E-Learning for Healthcare – Volunteer Learning Modules
• Local induction and orientation

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role

Hospital: Gainsborough Community Hospital
Days/hours: Mon-Sun, hours between 8am-1.30pm & 3.30pm-6pm