In Patient Unit Ward Volunteer

• Ayrshire Hospice

• VO101855

The Ayrshire Hospice provides excellence in palliative and end of life care for patients and their families.
We support people who are aged 16 years and over, who have a diagnosis that is life limiting - this includes respiratory and heart diseases, neurological conditions as well as cancers and other illnesses. In addition, our Family Care Team also support children and young people – as well as the wider family unit – with counselling and bereavement services.
Where necessary, we provide a seamless transition from young adult hospice services to our care.
Our care seeks to improve quality of life in various ways, for example; we support and advise on symptom control, provide emotional and spiritual care, social care and we provide personal care when it is needed at the end of life.
We also have pharmacy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy specialist services as well as our much-valued complementary therapy and Respite and Response services. Care is provided in a number of places including NHS Ayrshire and Arran hospitals, care homes and people’s own homes as well as in our In-Patient Unit and Living Well Hubs.
In fact, we can provide care anywhere a person considers their home to be, regardless of the complexities associated with this.
Family members, close friends and carers are also supported both during a person’s illness and in bereavement.

The Role: As well as our care delivered within the community, our In-Patient Unit is where our patients and families are cared for by the clinical and medical teams, ensuring that each patient and their family is supported and cared for to the highest standard. Without our invaluable IPU volunteering team, we cannot provide this quality of care to patients and families.
As an IPU volunteer your main role will be to help enhance our patients experience and make their time in the hospice as comfortable as possible. You can support this care by providing practical and compassionate support to patients, their families and our staff while helping to provide a welcoming and friendly environment. Every moment matters for our patients and their families and whether its supporting patients to spend time with loved ones, reading a book together, taking part in an art class or supporting a patient to share a special meal with family, these moments bring joy. IPU volunteering roles play a vital part in celebrations and creating moments with family and friends that will be treasured.

Key Responsibilities
Supporting and socialising with patients and their families to help promote a homely, friendly and welcoming atmosphere
Assist patients/ families with recreational activities including art classes, reading, watching movies with family or enjoying spending time sharing stories
Providing help to staff where required with light duties i.e. Restocking clinical supplies, tidying the ward/ family areas and collecting items from local shops for patients, we always like to go above and beyond with our individual care for patients
Prepare rooms for patient admissions to ensure they are comfortable and welcoming to each patient and their loved ones
Report any concerns to a staff member and report any injuries or hazards to help ensure a safe environment while maintaining confidentiality
Be alert and responsive to the individual needs of our patients at all times
Ensure the patient wishes are always at the centre of the support they receive, ensuring their wants are catered to as much as possible
Work within infection control guidance to ensure our environments are of the highest standards
Ensuring understanding that whilst this can be an emotionally challenging environment which is quite often distressing, there are always more moments of joy, laughter and love
Adhere to relevant policies and procedures of the Hospice
You may be expected to complete a PVG

What you will gain.
The opportunity to gain experience working within a charity sector
The opportunity to make a real difference to patients and their families while they are staying within the inpatient unit
The opportunity to learn new skills with support from the staff that will enable you to help others
The opportunity to use existing skills to help others
Training and support will be provided
The opportunity to work in a highly rewarding environment where you will develop enhanced communication skills, resilience and personal growth
Increased awareness of the Hospice settling and the work that we provide to the people of Ayrshire
The opportunity to be part of a supportive and caring team and meet new people
Reimbursement of expenses in accordance with our volunteer expenses policy

Experience required

Ayrshire Hospice welcomes applications from all sections of the community. You do not require to have previous experience to volunteer within this role however the following qualities would be advantageous
Passionate about volunteering and wanting to make a difference to the quality of life to patients and their families
Compassionate and honest
Previous experience within a caring role
Good communication skills
The ability and resilience to work in an extreme emotional challenging environment
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities with the ability to work autonomously
Values driven

Travel details

travel expenses are paid

Travel expenses

travel costs refunded

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