Ward Volunteer - Graham Ward
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Graham ward is a 24 bedded dedicated Stroke Unit which admits all stroke patients directly from A&E. We are looking for volunteers to assist patients at mealtimes and to help provide leisure activities for patients at other times as required
Homerton has 15 wards where patients with a wide range of conditions receive nursing and medical care. Graham ward is a 24 bedded dedicated Stroke Unit which admits all stroke patients directly from A&E. Volunteers on Graham ward will have two main roles. Firstly, help at mealtimes, as many patients require assistance with eating to ensure they have a nutritious diet during their inpatient stay. Outside mealtimes, volunteers will help to provide leisure activities for patients – whether this is organising specific activities on the ward or chatting to individual patients to keep them company. As the ward is a busy environment, it is essential that volunteers are able to take a proactive approach to the role, whilst always being guided by the Nurse in Charge and wishes of the individual patient. Duties: 1. To check with the Nurse in Charge about priorities and any issues the volunteer should be briefed about. 2. Ensuring patients are ready for their meal – eg that they’ve washed their hands and have a clear table. 3. Taking trays of food to individual patients as directed by the Nurse in Charge. 4. Helping patients who need assistance with eating, eg cutting up food, ensuring the tray and napkin are in the right position and their drink is within reach, clearing away the tray when the patient is finished. 5. Where patients have a food chart, noting what the patient has eaten and taking the chart to the Nurse in Charge for completion. 6. Organising leisure activities for patients on the ward or chatting to patients if they would like company. 7. Asking patients if they need help and responding to their requests, eg. making refreshments outside the main drinks rounds, running errands (eg on-site shopping at the hospital, posting letters, buying phone cards), tidying the bedside. 8. Meeting and greeting visitors as they come onto the ward and directing them to the patient they’ve come to see. 9. Assisting nurses with making up beds. 10. Assisting with general ward tidiness. 11. Asking patients to give feedback on their experience of the ward by completing a hand-held survey device.
Administration,Caring,Catering,General and Helping
Admin, Cleaning & Tidying, Conservation
Essential: o A commitment to improve the patient’s experience of their time in hospital o Well presented, with a friendly and approachable manner and good verbal communication skills o An ability to relate well to people on a one to one basis and be sympathetic to others’ situations o An ability to be patient and calm even in the face of difficult situations o An ability to act on own initiative within the role description o A willingness to be flexible and to follow the guidance of a Volunteer Supervisor o A commitment to the trust’s equal opportunities and diversity policies o Volunteers must adhere to the Homerton’s volunteer guidelines, including rules on confidentiality, health and safety, safeguarding adults and children and manual handling o To be willing to receive training in customer care, communication skills and any other areas as appropriate to the volunteer role
N/A
o Able to commit reliably to at least 3 hours a week for a minimum of six months
E9 6SR
Graham Ward, Homerton Hospital, Homerton Row, London
N/A
N/A
