Job summary
- Main area
- Volunteers
- Grade
- Voluntary
- Contract
- Voluntary: Applicants are required to commit to a minimum period 6 months
- Hours
- 1 session per week (11:30-14:30 or 16:00-19:00 Monday to Sunday)
- Job ref
- 317-Vols-WD34FH-A
- Employer
- The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Freeman Hospital
- Town
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Closing
- 31/12/2024 08:00
Employer heading
Ward 34 Support
Voluntary
Job overview
Located in the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital, Ward 34 is a specialist cancer ward caring for patients with different types of cancers and blood-related (haematological) cancers. It also is home to the Teenage and young adult unit and also cares for patients with non-cancerous conditions requiring chemotherapy treatment and other blood-related (haematology) conditions.
It administers systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT), supportive treatments including blood transfusions, and cares for patients undergoing radiotherapy, autologous bone marrow transplant, palliative care and those with treatment-related side effects.
Main duties of the job
To assist ward staff with the lunch or evening meal service, handing out snacks in between meals to ensure that patients improve their nutritional intake and increase their fluid intake. In addition to this, you will also provide interaction and companionship to lonely patients, engage them in activities, and generally support staff in ensuring that patients receive the best experience during their stay.
Working for our organisation
Our Voluntary Workforce
The Newcastle Hospitals Trust values the involvement of local people as volunteers in activities that enhance the patient, visitor and carer experience, and also support staff in delivering high quality health care.
Your offer of voluntary help is very much appreciated, and you will receive a warm welcome no matter which area of volunteering you choose.
Without our volunteers, we wouldn't be able to deliver the 'outstanding' care and service that we do today.
Important note on completion of the application form
REFERENCES: Candidates are required to provide the address, telephone number and work email address of TWO referees, who should be either a current or former employer, senior work colleague, teacher, tutor or person of good standing in the community, and certify that they have known you for a minimum of 3 years prior to the date of application. PLEASE NOTE: That we cannot accept references from Friends or Family members.
DBS: The majority of our Volunteer roles require a Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) Check. The volunteer services team will apply for this on your behalf, as part of your pre-engagement checks. If you already hold an enhanced DBS and it is registered on the DBS Update Service, then you will need to provide evidence and present your original DBS certificate to the Volunteer Services Team during your ID check appointment.
EMAIL: All correspondence to you will be made via email, therefore please ensure that you check your SPAM folders as well as your inbox.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Serving lunches or evening meals and drinks
- Take around the drinks and snacks trolley at regular intervals to encourage patients to eat and drink to improve their nutritional intake and increase their fluid intake.
- Spending time with patients who are on their own to help to reduce stress and anxiety
- Engage patients in appropriate leisure activities of their choosing, such as general knowledge quiz, board games and arts and crafts.
Person specification
Specific skills / attributes required by volunteer
Essential criteria
- A caring, sympathetic, sensitive manner and a non-judgmental approach
- Organise and lead an activity for patients with confidence, and minimal supervision.
- Good listening and communication skills are essential.
- Reliable/dependable/flexible
- Have a positive outlook and enthusiastic approach
Desirable criteria
- Previous caring experience
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Ami Purcell
- Job title
- Senior Volunteer Services Administrator
- Email address
- [email protected]
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