Compassionate Companion volunteer role description
Daily supervision: Unit Lead
Accountability: Unit Lead
Locations: Inpatient Unit, Teesside Hospice, 1 Northgate Road, Middlesbrough
Aim: To support patients who are approaching end of life and their families.
Compassionate Companion volunteers will:
Support patients who are approaching end of life.
Support family member to be able to go and have a break safe in the knowledge someone is with their loved one.
Stay with family members if requested throughout this difficult time.
Report any changes to the patient’s condition to staff on the unit.
Engage with patients to provide therapeutic care and interaction.
Offer companionship that will provide comfort if appropriate.
Read quietly to patients if requested and at an appropriate time.
Chat about the patient’s history and interests, reminisce using; memory boxes, photographs and music etc.
Accompany patients with staff permission (within and outside the ward environment) to allow them the freedom to walk around thereby reducing restrictions that may lead to escalation of behaviours.
Engage in general conversation and really listen to patients.
As part of the interaction, encourage patients to be aware of their nutritional and hydration needs and assist with mouth care as required.
Complete relevant documentation such as contact communication.
To act as an ambassador for the palliative care team and promote the hospice service.
Personal qualities:
Compassion and empathy
Tact and sensitivity
Resilience
Excellent communication skills
Commitment to ensuring that the patient has support at the end of their life
Ability to work alone and as part of team
Polite and approachable
Professional approach
Administrative responsibilities:
Show respect, good manners, workplace etiquette
Report any changes to the patient’s condition to staff on the unit
Complete relevant documentation such as contact communication
Adhere to all hospice policies and procedures
Management and leadership responsibilities:
Supporting volunteers as and when required
Policy and service development:
Act as an ambassador for Teesside Hospice and promote the service
Training requirements:
As a Compassionate Companion volunteer you will complete the following training:
Teesside Hospice mandatory training
Volunteer induction training
Any other training identified as appropriate to the role- including communication skills.
Donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Palliative care face to face training
Your commitment:
Your commitment to this role will be discussed on an individual basis. We ask that all volunteers commit to a minimum of two hours per week
Support and supervision:
Your first line of support and for any enquiries will be the Unit lead. Volunteers will be assigned to a supervisor from the team for support.
Communications:
The unit team will provide you with any information updates, training opportunities and upcoming events on a regular basis.
Users of the service:
All patients, carers, visitors and staff within Teesside Hospice Care Foundation
Uniform:
Volunteer polo shirt (provided)
Teesside Hospice volunteer badge (provided)