Ward Volunteering / Meal time Helper - QMC AND City Hospital
OFFERED BY:
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS TrustLocation(s): Berridge, Lenton and Wollaton East, Sherwood
Address where volunteering takes place: QMC Volunteer Service (E Floor) South Block Nottingham NG7 2UHHow many places are on offer?: Several
Purpose of Role:
The volunteer role will prioritise support to patients with a 'red tray' in place, but can provide support and encouragement to all patients on the ward.
ROLE DESCRIPTION:
The volunteer role will prioritise support to patients with a ‘red tray’ in place, but can provide support and encouragement to all patients on the ward.
Preparation for mealtimes:
# Offering patients the chance to wash / wipe their hands
# Clearing tables and wiping them
# Talking through the menu and supporting patients with appropriate choices of meal.
# Ensuring the patient is in a comfortable position to eat, and seeking support from the ward team, if necessary to help a patient to sit up.
# Making sure that the patient has the correct utensils, including adapted cutlery, non-slip mats and plate guards if necessary.
During mealtimes:
# Positioning food next to the patient.
# Opening packets, removing lids etc. if needed
# Cutting food into manageable chunks if needed
# Positioning the food on the plate in a way that helps the patient / turning the plate round during the mealtime.
# Explaining where the food is situated on the plate for patients that are partially sighted.
# Placing food on utensils.
# Giving verbal encouragement to patients to eat and drink.
Being an advocate
# Ensuring that patients have the correct meal, in line with dietary or cultural needs or ethical preferences.
# Ensuring that patients receive the correct meal and informing the ward team if they would like an alternative meal / snack.
# Passing on any questions or concerns to the ward team.
At the end of mealtime:
# If a patient is unable to finish their meal, ask why there is food left (i.e. tiredness, visual problems, denture problems or taste preferences) and inform nursing staff.
# Giving feedback to the ward team, providing information about how much patients have had to eat / drink.
# Informing the ward team when a patient with a ‘Red Tray’ has finished their meal, so that a record can be made on food / fluid charts.
Preparation for mealtimes:
# Offering patients the chance to wash / wipe their hands
# Clearing tables and wiping them
# Talking through the menu and supporting patients with appropriate choices of meal.
# Ensuring the patient is in a comfortable position to eat, and seeking support from the ward team, if necessary to help a patient to sit up.
# Making sure that the patient has the correct utensils, including adapted cutlery, non-slip mats and plate guards if necessary.
During mealtimes:
# Positioning food next to the patient.
# Opening packets, removing lids etc. if needed
# Cutting food into manageable chunks if needed
# Positioning the food on the plate in a way that helps the patient / turning the plate round during the mealtime.
# Explaining where the food is situated on the plate for patients that are partially sighted.
# Placing food on utensils.
# Giving verbal encouragement to patients to eat and drink.
Being an advocate
# Ensuring that patients have the correct meal, in line with dietary or cultural needs or ethical preferences.
# Ensuring that patients receive the correct meal and informing the ward team if they would like an alternative meal / snack.
# Passing on any questions or concerns to the ward team.
At the end of mealtime:
# If a patient is unable to finish their meal, ask why there is food left (i.e. tiredness, visual problems, denture problems or taste preferences) and inform nursing staff.
# Giving feedback to the ward team, providing information about how much patients have had to eat / drink.
# Informing the ward team when a patient with a ‘Red Tray’ has finished their meal, so that a record can be made on food / fluid charts.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
No formal skills are needed, but you will need to have good empathy, be patient and caring and get on well with people from all kinds of backgrounds.
WHEN REQUIRED:
This grid shows when you can volunteer for this opportunity.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Are there age restrictions for this opportunity?: Yes
Age Restrictions:
16 years and upwards- no upper age limit
Are there gender restrictions for this opportunity?: No
Gender restrictions:
Is the opportunity accessible to disabled people?: Yes
Disability restrictions:
Talk to us about the accessibility of this role
How long before volunteer can expect a response?:
How long to complete training and recruitment?:
Volunteer Expenses offered?:
Induction and Training offered?: Yes
Support and Supervision offered?: Yes
Has a risk assessment been carried out?: Yes
DBS Disclosure required?: Yes