Ward Helper
To assist the housekeeper with duties, as detailed below. To give companionship to patients, dementia companion volunteers are welcomed to the ward to engage with all patients including those living with dementia. Volunteers also to assist in facilitating communication between patient and family with the use of the ward iPad.
Skills Required
- Good listening skills, ability to understand instruction
- Good verbal communication skills
- Approachable & helpful
- Adaptable
- Caring, supportive & empathetic
- Patient
- Physically able to push a trolley
Volunteer Tasks & Responsibilities
- On arrival on the ward always report to the nurse in charge/nurses station before joining the housekeeper
- Making tea/coffee, serving refreshments to patients
- Helping patients to fill out menu cards, except where a patient has particular dietary needs requiring qualified guidance from staff
- Assisting patients to prepare for meals i.e. preparing trays and ensuring they have everything they need. (Not including the moving and handling of patients).
- To tidy the patients table if needed.
- Assist staff in serving meals, taking trays to patients. Volunteers must never feed patients.
- Assist staff with supplies - Top up gloves, aprons, syringes and alcohol gels and assist staff in unpacking deliveries
- Engage and provide companionship to patients.
- Help facilitate communication between patient and family with the use of the ward iPad.
The Role does not allow a volunteer to:
- Get involved in any domestic duties including bed making or cleaning
- Speak to a patient’s relative to update on their condition
- Feed patients, especially Nil by mouth patients
- Take patients to the toilet
- Support a patient’s weight beyond a steadying hand or arm
- Exchange personal details with patients or visitors
- Take on any clinical tasks
- Enter isolation rooms or bays
