Maclean

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

 By offering emotional and social support to patients though friendly conversation, quiet activities and assisting with personal needs, Patient Companions relieve pressure from nursing staff, allowing them to deliver the best possible medical care for patients.

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

 This is a personal, diverse and important role assisting patients with a large range of 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
  • Reassure anxious and nervous 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.
  • 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.