Job summary
Ward Volunteer
Can you spare 3/4 hours a week? Do you enjoy busy environments?
We are looking for volunteers to support on our Wards Monday to Sunday 8am- 8pm.
If you are considering a career in Healthcare or just want to gain new experience, this is a brilliant opportunity to support our patients and staff and develop your skills.
As a ward buddy or dementia buddy volunteer we will provide full training on one of our dedicated wards where you will be supported by staff and volunteers to be able to carry out your duties and ensure that you get the most from volunteering.
A ward buddy or dementia buddy volunteer will undertake duties as outlined below dependent on the voluntary position they apply for.
Both roles are very similar, but dementia buddies will be rotating between different wards each shift to visit patients with dementia specifically.
Our Volunteers on our wards are invaluable to support our most vulnerable patients who come into the hospital and just need a friendly face to put them at ease, we have found by having volunteers this provide a much-needed support to our patients and staff.
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.
Main duties of the job
To greet and chat with patients or visitors on arrival and during their stay providing a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.
Spending time with patients providing a listening ear and engaging in friendly conversation as appropriate.
Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times of all details appertaining to patients, their relatives and staff.
Helping to serve for patients as appropriate under the guidance and supervision of clinical staff
Give clear and accurate information and directions and assist patients, relatives and staff. Refer patients/visitors to the appropriate member of staff if further assistance is required
Highlight the infection control stations to all visitors and point out gel dispensers to them. Replenish gel dispensers as required.
To be aware of steps taken to safeguard the health and safety of patients/visitors and staff, observing all rules and regulations appertaining to their safeguard and have an up-to-date knowledge of all proceedings
To engage in any other appropriate activity under the supervision and direction of the Clinical staff.
Making drinks for visitors, including the day area, and staff and wash/tidy away any used crockery/cutlery used.
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.
Visiting/chatting/reading to patients who may not have visitors.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities listed below are not intended to be exhaustive, volunteers are required to adopt a flexible approach to meet the needs of service requirements.
To greet and chat with patients or visitors on arrival and during their stay providing a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.
Spending time with patients providing a listening ear and engaging in friendly conversation as appropriate, demonstrate respect and sensitivity to all individuals.
Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times of all details appertaining to patients, their relatives and staff.
Helping to serve for patients as appropriate under the guidance and supervision of clinical staff
Give clear and accurate information and directions and assist patients, relatives and staff. Refer patients/visitors to the appropriate member of staff if further assistance is required outside the remit or boundaries of the volunteer role.
Highlight the infection control stations to all visitors and point out gel dispensers to them. Replenish gel dispensers as required.
To be aware of steps taken to safeguard the health and safety of patients/visitors and staff, observing all rules and regulations appertaining to their safeguard and have an up to date knowledge of all proceedings for dealing with this, in particular wearing aprons and gloves where appropriate and attention to hand washing/gel.
To engage in any other appropriate activity under the supervision and direction of the Clinical staff.
Making drinks for visitors, including the day area, and staff and wash/tidy away any used crockery/cutlery used.
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.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities listed below are not intended to be exhaustive, volunteers are required to adopt a flexible approach to meet the needs of service requirements.
To greet and chat with patients or visitors on arrival and during their stay providing a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.
Spending time with patients providing a listening ear and engaging in friendly conversation as appropriate, demonstrate respect and sensitivity to all individuals.
Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times of all details appertaining to patients, their relatives and staff.
Helping to serve for patients as appropriate under the guidance and supervision of clinical staff
Give clear and accurate information and directions and assist patients, relatives and staff. Refer patients/visitors to the appropriate member of staff if further assistance is required outside the remit or boundaries of the volunteer role.
Highlight the infection control stations to all visitors and point out gel dispensers to them. Replenish gel dispensers as required.
To be aware of steps taken to safeguard the health and safety of patients/visitors and staff, observing all rules and regulations appertaining to their safeguard and have an up to date knowledge of all proceedings for dealing with this, in particular wearing aprons and gloves where appropriate and attention to hand washing/gel.
To engage in any other appropriate activity under the supervision and direction of the Clinical staff.
Making drinks for visitors, including the day area, and staff and wash/tidy away any used crockery/cutlery used.
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.
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.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Desirable
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Show empathy and compassion towards others and treats people with dignity and respect
- Experience assisting the public
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate in a calm and professional manner
Desirable
- Good interpersonal skills
Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Recognise when appropriate to seek support from others
- Reliable, honest and punctual
Person Specification
Qualifications
Desirable
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Show empathy and compassion towards others and treats people with dignity and respect
- Experience assisting the public
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate in a calm and professional manner
Desirable
- Good interpersonal skills
Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Recognise when appropriate to seek support from others
- Reliable, honest and punctual
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
