Hollywood Volunteer Services

Purpose of the Role

Our Patient Support Volunteers bring comfort, connection, and practical support directly to patients staying in our wards. This is an overarching role for all volunteers who visit patients in their rooms, helping turn a hospital stay into a warmer, more human experience through everyday acts of care, conversation, and encouragement.

What You’ll Be Doing

Because no two patients are the same, your day might involve anything from quiet companionship to helping someone enjoy their meal or stay active. Depending on patient needs and your rostered focus, your duties may include:

• Direct Patient Interaction & Companionship: Spending quality time chatting, reading aloud, playing cards or board games, or providing gentle hand/foot rubs and grooming assistance.

• Mealtime Support (Food Friends): Helping set up meal trays, assisting patients with menu choices, making tea or coffee for families outside regular tea times, and offering extra mealtime support to ensure patients eat and drink comfortably.

• Mobility & Movement Encouragement (Let's Get Moving): Providing guidance, motivation, and safe company for independent patients taking walks, or taking wheelchair patients out of their rooms for a change of scenery (with staff approval and assistance).

• Room Comfort & Small Favors: Ensuring essential items are within easy reach, freshening ward flowers, delivering phone messages, and keeping patient spaces tidy.

What Makes a Great Patient Support Volunteer?

You don't need healthcare experience—just a genuine heart for people and a calm, supportive presence. We look for volunteers who bring:

• Strong Listening & Communication Skills: The ability to engage warmly with people from all walks of life, active listening skills, and respect for diversity.

• Empathy & Patience: A naturally non-judgmental approach and a clear understanding of patient confidentiality.

• Reliability & Team Spirit: Dependability, punctuality, and a commitment to being a reliable face for our patients and hospital team.

• Commitment to Learning: A willingness to complete orientation training, follow staff directions closely (especially regarding patient consent and diet restrictions).