Inpatient Unit (IPU) Meal Service

The purpose of this volunteer role is to deliver lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner to patients, their whānau, and visitors within the Inpatient Unit (IPU). In doing so, Hospitality Volunteers provide essential support and service to patients and those around them during their time at Mary Potter Hospice.
Currently recruiting for:
- Monday Dinner Service (5:30pm - 6:40pm), once every 4 weeks
- Friday Dinner Service (5:30pm - 6:40pm), once every 2 weeks OR 4 weeks
Key Tasks
- Deliver meals from kitchen to patients’ rooms via meal cart
- Check menu information sheets to identify patients receiving meals and to note any special cases or dietary requirements
- Clarify any instructions with the patient’s nurse or IPU Duty Lead if necessary
- Understand and adhere to Mary Potter Hospice guidelines and rules, including maintaining hygiene by regularly and thoroughly washing hands and using tongs and gloves as provided
- Offer patients and visitors light refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) or refer them to the family kitchen
- Provide welcoming and friendly service, and ask for feedback on meals (both positive and negative) and report any feedback at end of shift
- Attend shifts as rostered - contact the IPU Hospitality Volunteer Lead with as much notice as possible about planned leave, and contact IPU Reception about any unplanned leave (e.g. sick leave)
- Arrive 10 minutes before shift start time to allow time to sign in, wash hands and check for updates
- If unable to do a shift, kindly consider picking up another vacant shift
Key Competencies
- Empathy: Demonstrates a high degree of sensitivity to others
- Interpersonal skills: Is able to build and maintain rapport with a range of people and assist others to feel at ease
- Communication: Can communicate with diverse groups in a clear, relaxed and open manner
- Resilience: Comfortable volunteering in an environment where people are unwell and asking for help if needed
- Integrity: Knows how to act with integrity and respects patient and family confidentiality at all times
- Going the ‘Extra Mile’: Is prepared to provide support beyond that which is strictly required
- Timeliness: Works in a timely and organised manner; especially concerning meal delivery
- Food Handling: Has understanding of food handling criteria and practice, or is willing to learn
- Previous Experience: Previous experience working in hospitality is an advantage
- Police Vetting is required for this role
Hours
Regular rostered shifts; Weekly / Fortnightly / or Monthly
- Lunch: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
- Afternoon Tea: 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm
- Dinner: 5:30 pm – 6:40 pm
Location
Inpatient Unit & Newtown Community Base (Wellington) - 48 Mein Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021
