Lismore

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

The Acute Stroke and Dementia Unit is a very busy environment, typically caring for elderly patients, most with cognitive impairments. By offering emotional and social support to patients though gentle conversation and distraction activities, you will make an enormous difference to their experience.

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 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:
  
  • Encourage patients to complete the feedback survey.
  • Maintain patient information displays and help staff keep areas clean and tidy.