Volunteer Visitor- Community Hospital - Farnham - updated 12.06.2024

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Title:                          Community Hospital Patient Visiting Volunteer

 

Hours:                      Ideally 2 hours per week – Fridays at 10.30am (other times on Friday available and other days / times of the week by agreement)

 

Supported by:          Volunteer and Wellbeing Manager

 

Location:                  Farnham Community Hospital

 

Role:                      To provide 1:1 visits to patients within the wards of the community hospital  (possibly being involved in activities for patients when these are developed)

 

Main duties:

 

  • Provide weekly 1:1 visits to older people on ward(s) within community hospital – listening and providing company to the patients during their hospital stay
  • Support older people to think through the process of returning home; what support they may require initially and to signpost to other services such as Age UK Surrey’s Advice and Information service or our Help at Home Service
  • Maintain close contact with the Volunteer and Wellbeing Manager at Age UK Surrey
  • Provide a brief record of sessions weekly of patients attending and their engagement level to the Volunteer and Wellbeing Manager via email
  • When a programme is developed, provide small group sessions with other volunteers to include reminiscence sessions, art and crafts, crosswords, quizzes, reading, discussion and other activities.
  • Motivate and support older people to engage in small group activities during their hospital stay - this may require encouragement initially to build confidence for patients to join in. 
  • Providing activities or chatting to patients to keep them stimulated and engaged.

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Personal Qualities:

  • Be reliable and supportive
  • Ability to communicate and motivate older people
  • Have good listening skills
  • Have empathy for older people and those with mobility issues or dementia
  • Have the ability to value and respect others’ opinions and beliefs
  • Be able to understand the NHS Community Hospital guidelines and policies on Health and Safety and minimizing risk, and to attend an NHS briefing prior to commencement of volunteering.
  • Are flexible and want to help enrich the patient experience in a hospital setting
  • Have own transport to get to/from the Community Hospital or live nearby

 

You will receive an Induction into Age UK Surrey and an NHS Briefing at Farnham Hospital

 

You will be asked to complete NHS specific forms (and those of Age UK Surrey) in the Induction process - any necessary training/mentoring will be provided at Farnham Community Hospital

 

The role requires a DBS and two references which Age UK Surrey will register you for (without cost to you) and we will take up your References upon receipt of your volunteer Registration; agreed expenses can be claimed upon request. 

Mission Statement

Age UK Surrey aims to:

  • promote the wellbeing of older people in Surrey
  • improve public awareness of issues concerning ageing
  • influence public policy to meet the needs of older people
  • work with other agencies in the provision of relevant services for older people

If you have the time - however little - there are so many ways in which you can help.

The rewards are great.  You will use your skills, meet new people, have fun and find it very, very rewarding.  You can be sure that the time you give is making a positive difference to older people in the community.