Lismore

Our Patient Companion volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the experience of patients awaiting or recovering from surgical procedures at Lismore Base Hospital.

Your goal is to encourage a positive environment and help reduce feelings of loneliness and boredom for patients. By offering emotional and social support to patients though gentle conversation, light activities and assisting with personal needs, Patient Companions improve patient experience and support nursing staff, 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.

Duty Statement:

• Provide support to patients and visitors during their time in the ward
  • 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.
  • Read, play quiet games and activities with patients to pass the time.
  • 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.
  • Assist with using the TV or personal devices such as i-pads requiring hospital wifi.
  • 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
  • Encourage patients to complete the feedback survey.
  • Maintain patient information displays and help staff keep areas clean and tidy.