Patient Companion – Cancer Care
Patient Companion volunteers within the Oncology unit at Grafton Base Hospital play a vital role in enhancing the experience of patients undergoing treatment for cancer.
By offering emotional and social support to patients through light conversation, gentle activities and assisting with personal needs, your goal is to encourage a positive and calm environment.
Patient Companion volunteers perform non-clinical tasks, therefore relieving time-pressure from nursing staff so they can deliver the best possible medical care for patients.
Duty Statement:
- Spend time with patients
- Fetch blankets, towels and pillows to ensure patients are comfortable.
- Prepare cups of tea, coffee and water in the patient tearoom on request.
- Listen to patient stories and respond with empathy and non-judgement.
- Using resources from the volunteer toolbox, facilitate quiet activities with patients.
- Field patient and visitor enquiries to staff.
- Support staff
- Encourage patients to complete the feedback survey.
- Maintain patient information displays and help staff keep areas clean and tidy.
- Assist with basic administration such as photocopying.
- Special support (additional training required)
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- Gentle hand, foot and head massage.
- Painting nails.
- Musical performance.
