Description

Socially isolated patients in the community referred by the Community Mental Health Team or District Nursing Service or in hospital referred by the Senior Charge Nurse in the ward prior to discharge.

Main tasks:
To support an allocated patient through engagement in a range of activities as part of an individual therapeutic plan as directed by the referring clinician.

To encourage the client to re-engage in activities as able e.g. walking to local shop, preparing meals and shopping.

The volunteer will accompany and encourage the patient to carry out a planned programme of rehabilitation to enable them to live in the community as independently as possible.

Any other duties the Senior Charge Nurse has risk assessed and deemed suitable.

All of the above tasks may include group work or individual one to one sessions to be held in lounge areas, bedded bay areas or in patient side rooms as directed by the nurse in charge.

Note: Volunteers will not be involved in any personal care roles.

Participate in ensuring safety at all times.

Completion of identified training necessary for the position.

To attend when available drop in education, awareness and further training sessions.

Good communication and listening skills.
To maintain confidentiality at all times.

To wear Id Badge at all times whilst volunteering.

To promote independence where safe to do so.

To feedback to the professional team or VSM any observations concerns about the resident noted during time of visit.

Be reliable, enthusiastic, conscientious and friendly.

Trustworthy, honest, aware of own limitations.

To become familiar with NHS Tayside Volunteering Policy.

To liaise with nursing staff and medical staff as required.

Any other requirements:
Direct any concerns in the first instance to the nurse in charge.

As a volunteer you may become close to patients and we ask that you maintain a professional manner as well as treating all patients’ information as confidential.

If for any reason you cannot attend to carry out tasks it is the duty of the volunteer to contact place of working.

It is essential that volunteer details are up to date at all times it is the volunteer duty to inform the Voluntary Services Manager/Coordinator

Restrictions

Minimum age: 16

Support

Expenses paid: Yes