Butterfly Volunteer
West Middlesex University Hospital
Your role will support the Ward teams and Palliative Care Team to provide a supportive and peaceful presence to patients who are in their last weeks, days or hours of their life
You will spend time with patients who have been identified as nearing the end of their life providing companionship. This could involve listening, a chat, reading or simply holding their hand. You will also support and advocate for the family or those who are important to them with respite and signposting where needed.
Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Caring,Community Work,General & Helping
Basic IT skills - internet & email, People Skills
As a volunteer you will embody the Trust’s values: • Putting patients first • Responsive to, and supportive of, patients and staff • Open, welcoming and honest • Unfailingly kind, treating everyone with respect, compassion and dignity • Determined to develop our skills and continuously improve the quality of care It is essential that all applicants for this role have the following attributes: • A compassionate and sensitive nature • The confidence to communicate effectively with all staff, patients and volunteers • We ask that you are friendly, positive, adaptable and have an approachable manner • Have the ability to be empathic, patient and calm in difficult situations • Have the ability to follow instructions and be flexible and communicate effectively with the EOL Volunteer Manager, responding to emails as requested • Able to make useful notes, and provide accurate feedback to ward staff and the volunteer team • Ability to act on own initiative and work within a sensible, safe and appropriate manner • Understand the need for boundaries and work within the boundaries set out • A good listener with excellent communications and interpersonal skills • A sensitive approach to diverse range of people and an ability to respect privacy and be non-judgemental • Follow the policies and the procedures set out by the volunteer team and ward staff. • Be punctual and dependable with a professional and friendly demeanour • Are self-motivated; with an ability to think on your feet and work independently and as part of a team • That you have developed a sense of self awareness, resilience and resourcefulness and are aware of your own emotions and manage them with the support of the EOL Volunteer Manager and the team
You’ll learn new skills and find fulfilment by being engaged in such meaningful activity. And you’ll be part of a friendly team at the heart of your community, giving you the opportunity to meet new people.
We ask you to commit to a regular shift on the say day, once a week. There is some flexibility. Shifts are available on Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm & 2 to 5pm Weekend shifts available
TW7 6AF
West Middlesex University Hospital Twickenham Rd, Isleworth TW7 6AF
How to get to West Middlesex Hospital: Nearest train stations are Isleworth station which is approximately 15 minutes’ walk and Syon Lane station which is approximately 10 minutes’ walk Nearest tube station is Boston Manor. Local buses: 267, 117, 110 and H28 buses. Parking Free for volunteers
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