Ward Volunteer

*Please note this role is not paid and is not eligible for sponsorship*

Location: ellenor Hospice Gravesend
Hours: from 4 hrs per week Times: 10 am–2 pm or 3-7 pm Days: Monday to Sunday, whenever you can spare!

Looking for a fulfilling and impactful way to support patients and families during their time of need? Join our dedicated team at ellenor Hospice as a Volunteer Ward Assistant, where your kindness and care will make a real difference in the lives of others.

The Role:

This hands-on role will bring you into direct contact with patients and families.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Entering patient areas to take lunch and dinner orders and communicating these with the kitchen along with any dietary or allergen requirements
• Setting up and laying patient trays before meals
• Replacing and replenishing water jugs and wiping down bedside tables before and after food service
• Clearing utensils and operating the dishwasher to maintain cleanliness
• Ensuring the relative's area is clean, tidy and stocked
• Ensuring the ward kitchen is always tidy, organised, and stocked
• Serving meals alongside the kitchen team and assisting patients in eating if needed, returning all used items back to the kitchen
• Regular drink rounds to keep patients hydrated including serving hot drinks on the trolley and refreshing water jugs
• Communicating relevant patient information to nursing staff, including any concerns about dietary intake or other issues

Skills Required:

• Kindness, empathy, and understanding: Even in busy and stressful times, your compassionate nature will help patients feel cared for
• Politeness and professionalism: You’ll be a friendly face for patients, the public, and staff alike, always maintaining confidentiality
• Flexibility and confidence: The ability to adapt and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment is key
• Sensitivity to delicate issues: Comfort with discussing and handling sensitive situations, including being present in a Ward Volunteer environment where patients may be at the end of life, while offering emotional support to families and maintaining a professional demeanour

What You’ll Gain:

• Full support: You’ll be managed and supported by the IPW Staff to ensure you have the tools and guidance needed to succeed in your role
• Meaningful impact: Your time will bring comfort to patients and their families, providing invaluable assistance during their stay
• Professional development: Mandatory training equips you with the knowledge to handle sensitive environments and patient care

Ready to Help? If you have a warm heart, a helping hand, and a desire to make a positive difference, we’d love to hear from you! Join our team at ellenor Hospice and be part of a compassionate community that values your time and dedication.

Please note to volunteer in the hospice applicants must be over the age of 18, have the right to volunteer in the UK and require an Enhanced DBS as this role involves close contact with patients.

This is not a paid role.

All volunteers must be fully vaccinated for Hepatitis B.

How to Apply

Please send your completed application form to HR at hr@ellenor.org or complete our online application form:

https://forms.office.com/e/1y3n5nuyUE

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.