Volunteer Ward Caterer

• Ayrshire Hospice

• VO101858

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.
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.

The Role: Volunteer catering assistants within the IPU play a vital role in helping patients and visitors feel supported, comfortable and relaxed. Our care is person centred, meaning that all of our patients choose what is important to them and that includes what they eat and drink. Our patients are empowered to make choices, to have something small to suit their appetite or to ask for something special to create a treasured memory with family whilst sharing food.
As a volunteer, you would be involved in serving meals and refreshments, spending time chatting with patients and their loved ones, keeping the kitchen and refreshment areas neat and tidy and any other tasks relevant to role. You will play a pivotal part in ensuring meals with loved ones are a special experience at a time where these moments matter most. If you love to chat and make a real difference to someone's day, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities
Please be aware this post includes frequent walking to the in-patient unit and the kitchen
Socialise with patients and their families, promoting a positive, friendly environment where patients feel cared for and that their needs are important
Serve patients, in the 12 bed in patient unit, meals and drinks and clear left overs, ensuring that patients are safe and supported at all times
Liaise with nursing and catering staff about patient’s requirements including allergies, dietary requirements and any personal requirements of our patients ensuring mealtimes are meeting individual needs
Ensure the patient’s wishes are always at the centre of the care and support ensuring their wants are catered to as much as possible. You will support the team to ensure patients and families requests, where possible, are realised and achieved
Other reasonable tasks as required by the Catering Manager, in line with the needs of the service
Be alert and responsive to the individual needs of our patients, especially around mealtimes and highlighting any concerns to clinical staff
Keep ward kitchen clean and tidy consistent with Clinical and Environmental Health guidelines
Adhere to the relevant policies and procedures of the hospice
Work within infection control guidance
You may be expected to complete a PVG during onboarding
What you will gain.
The opportunity to gain experience in the charity sector
Take on a new challenge and meet new people
Opportunity to make a difference to your community
Learn and develop new skills and use existing skills to help others
Training and support will be provided to carry out your role
Reimbursement of expenses in accordance with our volunteer expenses policy
Take advantage of the unique Ayrshire Hospice volunteer benefits package

How to Apply
If you’re passionate about volunteering with us and want to make a meaningful impact
in your community, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join our team and
help us capture the heart of the Ayrshire Hospice. Please complete our volunteer
enquiry form, which can be found on our website: https://www.ayrshirehospice.org/
Alternatively, call 01292 269200 to request a paper copy of the enquiry form. A

Experience required

Ayrshire Hospice welcomes applications from all sections of the community. You do not need to have any experience to volunteer in this role, however, previous experience within a caring role would be advantageous. Ideally you should be able to demonstrate:
Excellent interpersonal skills
Be a great listener and enjoy meeting new people
The ability and resilience to work in an extreme emotional challenging environment
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities with the ability to work autonomously when required
Be a team player and willing to work within guidelines provided but also responsive to patients needs as they arise
A high degree of self-awareness and judgement
Be responsible and reliable
Values driven

Travel details

travel expenses are paid

Travel expenses

travel costs refunded

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