Patient Companion - Farnham Hospital

Would you like to make a real difference to our patients?

Patient Companions play an important role in working with nurses to create a calm, caring and comfortable ward environment. Offering companionship and comfort to patients. Patient companions listen to a patient talk about hopes, fears and concerns. Their presence and empathy can counteract such negative emotions as loneliness, sadness and despair, which can hinder effective treatment. Instead, their sympathy encourages positive emotions such as happiness and relief, which can speed up the healing process.

Reporting to the nurse in charge of the ward - the role will include:-

  • Sitting with and talking to patients.
  • Giving the patient the company that they may not have from others.
  • Listening to what the patient has to say and to, if necessary, spend time with the patient participating in activities such as games and puzzles with the patient.

Volunteers are requested to commit for a minimum period of 12 months and ideally volunteer for at least a couple of hours per week.

Full training is provided and volunteers will also be given a volunteer polo shirt to wear and identity lanyard.

The Trust welcomes volunteers aged 16+ - this is a lovely role for students looking towards a career in health or social care.

Please note recruitment involves an initial introductory session at Frimley Park Hospital, followed by the completion of an application form and then a further meeting/interview and DBS check - therefore there are two visits required to Frimley Park prior to any volunteering. The introductory sessions are run at the start of each month. 

Skills

No formal qualifications are required, however key skills include:-

  • Communication especially the ability to listen.
  • Able to approach patients and visitors in a confident and caring manner.
  • Reliable and trustworthy
  • Sensitive and tactful
  • Friendly nature
  • Understanding of, or ability to learn, personal and professional boundaries.
  • To promote public confidence and allow effective hand hygiene volunteers are required to be smart, clean, tidy and of modest appearance. 

Please note that companions must emphasize that they are neither mental health professionals nor medical doctors. They cannot provide advice nor any service that can be misconstrued as therapy. They may not change bandages, give medicines or engage in any clinical treatment. Should the patient require such services, patient companions can contact the nearest nurse’s station.



Details

  • Accessibility
  • Age restrictions
    Volunteers can be 16+
  • DBS check required
  • Equal Opportunities Policy
  • Expenses reimbursed
    Travel at 45p per mile up to a 20 mile 'round trip'. Parking if applicable.
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Ongoing support
  • Recruitment Process
  • Training provided
    Volunteers will be expected to attend 1 x 1.5hr induction session.
  • Volunteer induction
  • Volunteer Policy
  • Volunteers covered by insurance
  • Written role description

When can I volunteer?

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Afternoon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Evening No No No No No No No

Location

Farnham Hospital
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 9QL


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