Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Spiritual Pastoral Care - Volunteer

This job is now closed

Job summary

Our volunteers are invaluable part of the hospital team. Working with us in a volunteering role means you're playing a part in making a difference to our patients and their families.

The SPC Urgent Care Team is an extension of the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Service (Chaplaincy). SPC urgent care volunteers work in partnership with the chaplains and A&E staff to provide pastoral care to vulnerable patients and their families / carers. Volunteering in pairs, the role involves listening to and supporting with human and spiritual needs at a time of crisis and recognising Urgent Care patients and their families / carers can be disorientated, upset, distressed and confused during emergency processes.

SPC urgent care volunteers do not replace staff members but do act as additional support for staff including as extra eyes and ears in the department.

Main duties of the job

Spend time to sit with and listen to patients, family / carers, responding to human / spiritual needs for pastoral care in moment of crisis.
Provide reassurance to patients struggling with mental health issues / disorientation / under the influence of drugs and / or alcohol.
Assist patients and their families with information on local taxi / bus services to get home
Provide community signposting to safe faith-based places and services where appropriate.
Provide practical help to adults with young children / or with elderly relatives.
Encourage and comfort patients including those who are homeless/ rough sleepers.
Report any patient safety or health & safety concerns to relevant staff.
Help provide nutrition and hydration support (from department supplies) to patients, providing this has been determined as clinically appropriate for the patient.
Confidentiality must be always maintained regarding patients and their property.
Ensure respect is given and diversity is embraced, appreciating others' beliefs and feelings.

Examples of duties NOT to be undertaken

Handling of patient information / notes / filing, or answering enquiries about patients
Giving patients and/or relatives any medical information or moving and handling of patients
Assisting patients with toileting and hygiene
Handling finance on behalf of patients
Accompanying patients / families / friends off site.
Acting beyond the role of a volunteers, or presenting as a member of Trust staff in any circumstance

About us

Kettering General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values

Compassion

Respect

Integrity

Courageous

Accountable

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.

The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.

We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.

We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds.This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Date posted

14 July 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

Depending on experience Voluntary role

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

264-5481958-Volunteer

Job locations

Kettering General Hospital

Rothwell Road

Kettering

NN16 8UZ

Job description

Job responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listed below are not intended to be exhaustive, but are set out to indicate the duties undertaken by a volunteer subject to which role you undertake. The range of activities will also be dependent upon the placement.

Volunteers are required to adopt a flexible approach to meet the needs of service requirements.

Helping to serve meals for patients as appropriate under the guidance and supervision of clinical staff.

Making drinks for visitors, including the day area, and staff and wash/tidy away any used crockery/cutlery used.

Supporting clinics / wards with temperature checking and providing directions to appointments, and ward areas.

To sit alongside/alone with patients at mealtimes by chatting and encouraging them to eat and drink, ensuring food and drink is within easy reach and accessible to the patient.

Undertake patient surveys in a ward environment to understand the experiences of a patient.

Actively looking for anyone who may be lost across the hospital and may need help.

Visiting/chatting/reading to patients who may not have visitors.

Helping the hostess to serve meals and deliver snacks to patients.

Keeping patient bed areas tidy.

Collecting medications from pharmacy.

Ensuring the continued well-being and comfort of patients whilst they are awaiting transport and giving assistance to and from transport where necessary.

Collecting/delivering messages or small items to and from departments always following a request from a member of staff, ensuring items are placed in a sealed carrier.

Providing a courtesy service meet and greet around external premises.

Ensuring that information racks and notice boards are tidy.

Acting as a buddy for new volunteers.

Collecting and delivering Notes/Swabs/Equipment from Wards and/or departments.

Driving patient buggy around site with passengers.

Provide Admin support (Admin volunteers)