Ward Visitor (Astley Ainslie Hospital)

  • VO95479


Description

You will visit Astley Ainslie Hospital to chat to patients and provide social stimulation. This really helps to relieve some of the boredom and frustration patients sometimes feel whilst in hospital. You will also have an opportunity to serve patients teas and coffees, serve meals (evening shift only), and complete other ad-hoc tasks as directed by the ward staff. With additional training, you may also have opportunities to take patients outside for walks during spells of nice weather.

Organisation aims and objectives

NHS Lothian Substance Misuse Directorate: The Substance Misuse Directorate provides treatment and support for adults who have drug and/or alcohol problems. There are a variety of services which provide variety of care ranging from Harm Reduction, detoxification treatment and rehabilitation. The bases are at Spittal Street Centre, Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Astley Ainslie Hospital.

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Morning
Afternoon
Evening

2-3 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months, but we would love you to stay longer. We have volunteers at NHS Lothian who have been volunteering for decades and are still making a difference.

Restrictions

Experience required: We are looking for volunteers who are kind, compassionate, and empathetic. You must also have strong verbal communications skills and be able to connect with people easily. Being reliable and punctual is extremely important. No previous experience is required, as full training will be provided.
Travel details: Astley Ainslie Hospital, 33 Grange Loan, Edinburgh EH9 2HL. Lothian Buses has several services which stop close to the hospital. Free onsite parking is also available.
Minimum age: 16

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Agreed out of pocket expenses which are incurred when carrying out this volunteer role will be reimbursed in line with the NHS Lothian volunteer expenses policy and signed off by the Voluntary Services Manager.
Training details: The induction training is provided over Microsoft Teams and will involve attending two sessions lasting approximately 2 hours each. The training will cover communicating with patients, boundaries for volunteering, equality & diversity, infection control, fire safety and self-care. Additional training will also be available during your time as a volunteer.
Support: Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet