Patient Companion - Frimley Park Hospital

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:

To sit with and talk to patients.

To give the patient the company that they may not have from others.

To listen 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.

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 information sessions at the hospital for the first half of 2024 are: 5th Feb, 4th Mar, 8th April and 7th May, all from 5pm-5:30pm. You only need to attend one of these.




Skills

No formal qualifications are required however communication is the main skill, with the emphasis being on the ability to listen. Another key skill is being able to deal with grief, sadness and death, if they become close to patients. 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.

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.


Details

  • Accessibility
  • Age restrictions
    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
  • Training provided
  • Volunteer induction
    Introduction sessions at the hospital run roughly once a month.
  • 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 Yes Yes
Afternoon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Evening Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Availability Details

Volunteers can volunteer between the hours of 8am and 8pm. The hospital is open 7 days a week although our greatest need is Mon-Fri during the daytime.


Location

Frimley Park Hospital
Portsmouth Road,
Frimley
Surrey
GU16 7UJ


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