Grafton

Patient Companion volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the experience of patients at Grafton Base Hospital. Your goal is to encourage a calm environment and help reduce feelings of loneliness and boredom for patients.

The Acute Medical Ward is a busy environment, typically caring for elderly patients, some with cognitive impairments such as dementia.

By offering emotional and social support to patients though gentle conversation and distraction activities, Patient Companions relieve pressure from nursing staff, allowing them to deliver the best possible clinical care for patients.

A stay in hospital can be difficult for a patient’s loved ones and our volunteers may also offer comfort and support to carers, friends, and family members during visiting hours.

This is a personal, diverse and important role assisting patients with complex needs.

Duty Statement:

• Provide support to patients:
  • Fetch blankets, towels and pillows to ensure patients are comfortable.
  • Prepare cups of tea, coffee and water in the patient tearoom on request.
  • Field patient and visitor enquiries to staff.
• Spend time with patients:
  • Listen to patient stories and respond with empathy and non-judgement.
  • Using resources from the volunteer toolbox to facilitate quiet activities with patients.
  • Assist patients to walk around the ward (as permitted by health staff).
• Assist patients with personal needs:
  • Assist with making phone calls and writing letters upon request.
  • Help patients access clothing and other personal items.
  • Arrange and refresh flowers in vases.
  • Help prepare patients for departure from the ward including gathering personal belongings, arranging transport and communicating with a support person on request.
• Staff support:
  • Assist with mealtime by opening food packets and helping to clear away trays.
  • Encourage patients to complete the feedback survey.
  • Maintain patient information displays and help staff keep areas clean and tidy.