Ward Helper Volunteer - Crawley Hospital Intermediate Care Units

Ward Helper Volunteer - Crawley Hospital Intermediate Care Units

Posted for Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust

Posted by Crawley Community Action

Register your interest

You will be redirected to the Crawley Community Action website to express your interest.

We are looking for Ward Helpers to volunteer in our Intermediate Care Units at Crawley Hospital, where our patients are offered short term recovery and rehabilitation. SCFT’s aim is to keep patients out of hospital where we can and support patients to leave hospital.

If you are a people person with good communication skills and a caring nature we look forward to receiving your application.

What you will be doing:

• Spending time speaking with patients in a friendly and caring manner, being guided by ward staff on whom to approach.

• Support patients with dementia, and patients with a possible diagnosis of dementia in engaging with ‘Reminiscence’ activities. This includes using RITA: ‘Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities' technology (you will be fully trained to use this simple piece of equipment).

• Use of activity bags to help patients occupy their time and relieve boredom.

• Support patients identified by ward staff, before, during and after their mealtimes. This includes offering companionship at meal times if the patient wishes to have a companionable chat.  You may also support with opening packets and cutting food, and also alerting ward staff of any concerns.

• Tidy up patients' bedside tables after eating, including cleaning/wiping surfaces and encouraging hand washing after eating.

• Making/distributing hot drinks to appropriate patients, following Health and Safety guidance on this.

• Depending on the ward, help identified patients, complete ‘Menu Choices Cards’ prior to meals and return to ward staff

What skills do I need?

• Interest in supporting older people

• Self-motivated; with an ability to think on your feet and work independently

• Punctual and dependable

• Professional and friendly demeanour

• Excellent communication skills

• Demonstrates empathy and compassion

• To maintain boundaries and confidentiality at all times

• To keep good timekeeping and show regular commitment.

• To comply with Trust policies