Inpatient Unit (IPU) Meals Assistant Volunteer

Time Commitment:

• Flexible shifts between breakfast lunch and supper services
• Ideally one morning afternoon or evening shift per week
• A regular commitment is preferred to provide consistency for patients and the IPU team

Support Patients at Mealtimes as an IPU Meals Assistant Volunteer

Mealtimes are about much more than food and drink. They provide comfort routine dignity and an opportunity for connection particularly for patients who may be experiencing a difficult time.

Were looking for caring and friendly volunteers to support mealtimes on our Inpatient Unit. Youll work alongside nursing catering and hospitality teams to help make sure patients feel comfortable supported and cared for during their meals.

Whether youre helping to serve refreshments preparing dining areas or simply offering a friendly face and conversation your time can make a real difference to a patients day.

What Youll Be Doing

Youll provide:

• Practical support with the preparation and delivery of meals and drinks
• Help with setting up and clearing tables trays and dining areas
• Support for patients with menu choices passing preferences to the appropriate member of staff
• A friendly and compassionate presence during mealtimes
• Conversation and companionship where appropriate
• Support to ensure patients have access to appropriate refreshments
• Support to maintain a clean safe and welcoming mealtime environment
• Feedback to nursing staff about any concerns regarding a patients appetite food or fluid intake or general wellbeing
• Support to the wider IPU team as appropriate

Who Were Looking For

Wed love to hear from you if you:

• Are caring friendly approachable and compassionate
• Enjoy spending time with and supporting other people
• Can communicate sensitively with patients and those important to them
• Are comfortable working as part of a team and following staff guidance
• Understand the importance of confidentiality dignity and privacy
• Can work within clearly defined volunteer boundaries
• Are reliable and able to offer a regular commitment
• Are willing to complete our required training and induction
• Are willing to follow Ashgate Hospice policies procedures and values
• Have an understanding of or interest in hospice and palliative care (desirable but not essential)

Whats in It for You

• The opportunity to develop and learn within a professional team
• The chance to make a meaningful impact while developing your own skills
• Full training to refresh or enhance your knowledge and keep everyone safe
• Full travel expenses reimbursed
• A supportive environment where your contribution is truly valued
• Full travel expenses paid

What You Can Expect from Us

As a volunteer you can expect:

• To be treated fairly and equitably in line with hospice values
• A clear understanding of your role and responsibilities
• Appropriate training tailored to your role
• Ongoing support and guidance
• The resources and equipment needed to carry out your role
• A safe environment that respects health and safety

What We Ask in Return

We ask our volunteers to:

• Reflect the values goals and standards of Ashgate Hospice
• Place patient care at the centre of everything you do
• Follow our Health and Safety Policy Volunteer Policy Code of Behaviour and Volunteer Handbook
• Participate in relevant training and development
• Seek support when needed
• Carry out duties professionally and safely

Important Information

• Volunteers must be aged 16 or over
• All volunteers are required to attend:
  • Voluntary Statutory Training (3 hours)
  • Ashgate Hospice Induction (3 hours)
• Local role-specific training will be provided
• Confidentiality around patient and hospice information is essential
• This role will require a Standard DBS to be completed

Join us and help support those who support others.

Interested

Please apply via our website and feel free to attach your CV or supporting information to tell us more about you and the knowledge skills and experience you can bring.

To find out more about this role please email:

For general volunteering enquiries:

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