Proud to support the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Job Description

Our Values

Our STAR values are at the heart of everything we do.  You can expect to see them in the way we act and the way we treat each other.  Our values make us who we are. We will expect your values and behaviours to reflect the STAR Values of the organisation:

Service          We will put our patients first

Teamwork   We will work together

Ambition     We will aspire to provide the best service

Respect        We will act with integrity

Main Purpose of the Job

To visit families and carers on our wards and departments to chat, run errands and ensure any needs are met.

Signpost unpaid carers to the carers passport, ward information board, carers chairs, information packs and carers cafe.

Maintain and update the carer information boards and packs on each of our wards and departments.

Support at the weekly carers café with other trained staff to chat to carers and provide information and signposting.

Using an iPad support patients and carers to complete care experience surveys.

The volunteer will carry out the role under the direct supervision of a registered professional working in the designated area and will only undertake roles for which they have been trained and are deemed competent to do

Main Responsibilities and Duties

1. Establish and maintain effective communication with ward staff.
2. Visit ward and department areas to chat to patients and unpaid carers to check if they need any help or signposting.
3. Offer advice and information to patients/staff and carers on the support available to unpaid carers, providing an information pack and directing them to the carers information board and weekly carers café.
4. Keep records of numbers of carers receiving information and being referred onwards.
5. Liaise with the trusts Carers lead to receive updates and new information.
6. Assist with the promotion of the Carers Passport, Carers Chairs and Carers Café.
7. Provide a presence at the weekly Carers Café to ensure any carers feel supported and to chat informally.
8. Ensure supplies of leaflets and information are kept up to date in the ward/department Carers Information boxes.
9. Provide feedback or share ideas for the improvement of the service with the Carers Lead.
10. Undertake basic information awareness training related to the Cares agenda.

Patient Care

Volunteers must not undertake any form of lifting or moving patients. Volunteers are not expected to enter isolation rooms or bays, but if they wish to do so they MUST adhere to the infection control policies and procedures.

Flexibility

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances, in discussion with the post holder. This role profile is intended to provide a broad outline of the main responsibilities only.  The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role with initial and on-going discussions with the designated manager.

Supplementary Information

This job description should be read alongside the Supplementary Information provided on NHS Jobs for applicants and alongside the Employee Handbook for current staff members/volunteers.

Person Specification