DetailsForSearch

Role Details

Title

Mealtimes Volunteer (Weston General Hospital)

Organisation

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust

Distance from the search postcode

You did not enter a postcode in the search, or the postcode for this role is unknown.

Website

http://www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/work-for-us/volunteering This link will open a new window.

What you will be doing

• Encouraging patients to eat, opening packets and pouring drinks, supporting patients to
remain independent at mealtimes.
• Feeding patients when appropriate and as directed by senior nursing staff.
• Providing companionship to patients, particularly older patients and those with
dementia or cognitive impairment.
• Engaging in conversation with patients, building rapport to support eating and drinking.
• Tidying bedside tables and offering hand wipes in preparation for the meal.
• Following staff direction, deliver meals to patients and clear tables afterwards.
• Following meal time protocols.
• Completing patient Food Record Charts.

Activities

Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Community Work,General & Helping

Skills & Attributes

Skills Description

• A friendly and approachable manner. • Reliable and trustworthy. • Good social and communication skills, and proactive in approaching people. • Confident to be able to volunteer on a ward alone. • Experience of a hospital/care setting or experience of spending time with older people. • Ability to follow mealtimes protocol and take direction from staff. • Being sensitive to people’s vulnerabilities. • An understanding of the impact dementia or cognitive impairment can have on a patient’s ability to eat well. • Ability to follow infection prevention and control standards in place (including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, PPE) in the hospitals, and tactfully and sensitively be able to encourage visitors to follow those same standards. • An understanding and ability to implement good personal and professional boundaries.

What is in it for you

• Experience of the NHS, within a CQC awarded ‘Good Trust’. • Rewarding experience, helping to make a patient’s stay in hospital a bit easier. • An understanding of nutrition and hydration in a hospital setting. • Experience of the NHS at ward level. • Working as part of a team. • Training and full induction. • Volunteer uniform. • Access to NHS Discounts. • Reasonable travel expenses paid.

Time Commitment

Approximately 2 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months.

Driving Licence & Vehicle Required

Travel Expenses

Available in multiple locations

Further location details may be provided below.

Contact Person

Voluntary Services

Role Address

Weston General Hospital Grange Road Weston-Super-Mare

Postcode (See Google maps below)

BS23 4TQ

Directions

Located on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare near the village of Uphill. Positioned adjacent to the A370 Bridgwater Road going south out of Weston.

Number of volunteers required

How to find out more

www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/work-for-us/volunteering

Application Process

Application Form

ID Check

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

References

Informal Discussion (may include an interview)

Support you will receive

Wheelchair Access

Disability and Access Support

We strive to support individuals with disability or access requirements to volunteer in our hospitals. Our team can discuss any queries or concerns you may have.