Ward Support Volunteer - Broomfield Hospital

Volunteers are needed to assist and compliment the work of ward staff at Broomfield hospital in ensuring that patients that being discharged home can go home swiftly and without unnecessary delays that also free up hospital facilities.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Welcome new admissions to the ward and make drinks for them or their visitors if required.
• Escorting patients to the discharge lounge and ensuring patient’s well-being and comfort whilst waiting for their final preparations before they leave the Hospital.
• Checking on progress of transport arrangements where appropriate.
• Transferring patient to other departments or wards.
• Acting as a liaison between patients and staff. Taking and passing messages appropriately.
• Collecting pharmacy prescriptions when required, within the Health & Safety guidelines, and running general errands for ward staff.
• Assisting Healthcare Assistants making beds and preparing / distributing meals and drinks.
• Assisting patients in feeding to meet their nutritional needs and keep them hydrated.
• Assisting Clerical and ward staff with administrative duties which assist with the prompt discharge of patients from the ward 

Skills

• The volunteer needs to be enthusiastic, flexible, patient, empathetic and a good listener.
• Able to use own initiative, possess effective communication and negotiating skills, and experience in dealing with difficult situations.
• Volunteers are reminded of the strict confidential nature of the role.
• At no point is a volunteer to provide any clinical care to patients, or take on tasks that are the main duty of a paid worker. The aim of the role is to enhance the patient experience and make their time in hospital as comfortable as possible as well as assisting staff with their ward duties.