Mealtimes Volunteer (Weston General Hospital)
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
Volunteers required to provide support at mealtimes to patients of Weston General Hospital.
• Encouraging patients to eat, opening packets and pouring drinks, supporting patients to remain independent at mealtimes. • Feeding patients when appropriate and as directed by senior nursing staff. • Providing companionship to patients, particularly older patients and those with dementia or cognitive impairment. • Engaging in conversation with patients, building rapport to support eating and drinking. • Tidying bedside tables and offering hand wipes in preparation for the meal. • Following staff direction, deliver meals to patients and clear tables afterwards. • Following meal time protocols. • Completing patient Food Record Charts.
Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Catering,Community Work,General & Helping
N/A
• A friendly and approachable manner. • Reliable and trustworthy. • Good social and communication skills, and proactive in approaching people. • Confident to be able to volunteer on a ward alone. • Experience of a hospital/care setting or experience of spending time with older people. • Ability to follow mealtimes protocol and take direction from staff. • Being sensitive to people’s vulnerabilities. • An understanding of the impact dementia or cognitive impairment can have on a patient’s ability to eat well. • Ability to follow infection prevention and control standards in place (including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, PPE) in the hospitals, and tactfully and sensitively be able to encourage visitors to follow those same standards. • An understanding and ability to implement good personal and professional boundaries.
• Experience of the NHS, within a CQC awarded ‘Good Trust’. • Rewarding experience, helping to make a patient’s stay in hospital a bit easier. • An understanding of nutrition and hydration in a hospital setting. • Experience of the NHS at ward level. • Working as part of a team. • Training and full induction. • Volunteer uniform. • Access to NHS Discounts. • Reasonable travel expenses paid.
One session a week for a minimum of 6 months. Monday to Friday 07:45-09:00 or 11.45-13:00 or 16:45-18:00
BS23 4TQ
Weston General Hospital Grange Road Weston-Super-Mare
Located on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare near the village of Uphill. Positioned adjacent to the A370 Bridgwater Road going south out of Weston.
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