Discharge Support Volunteer Review

Companionship – sitting with the patient (and their carers as appropriate) to stimulate and engage in conversations on topics of interest to the patient. Dining Companion – providing companionship, conversation and assistance to ensure mealtimes are pleasant and sociable for patients. Listening to patients, e.g. helping them to make comments using the Friends & Family Test and feedback to Ward staff. Help packing when leaving hospital. Doing some essential food shopping. Ensuring transport home is arranged.

As a discharge support volunteer, I was expected to be able to do the following: Caring, reliable and enjoy being with older people. Ability to communicate well with patients, their relatives/friends. Ability to support staff for the benefit of patients. Ability to take the initiative and assume responsibility for ensuring staff are aware of any difficulties patients and carers are experiencing. Strong personal boundaries and confident to sign-post patients and carers to alternative sources of support, advocacy and information e.g. PALs Understand the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality at all times. Engage in training and supervision as appropriate to carry out the role. Comply with all Trust Policies and Procedures as relevant to this role and the training provided. Communication skills were almost essential and they were really built upon throughout my time in the placement.

My time was amazing and I met a lot of new people from all sorts of different backgrounds. My interpersonal skills were really tested and built upon and I enjoyed giving back to the community. It was a really fufilling role and I highly encourage others to look into it too!

Incredibly structured and well thought out. Very effective in their aim and approach to help out elderly patients. Good support. A clear plan of work to be completed. A good team network to rely on. A great support system, should issues arise. A wonderful and caring staff team. Generally very well planned.

Any issues were dealt with almost immediately and there was always someone you could talk to if there were any issues. The extension numbers were very useful should there be any technical or specific problems, and all staff were very friendly and approachable. The network of support is very effective and comforting.

This question doesn't really apply in terms of the fact that I didn't work towards a qualification with my organisation so I wouldn't know. Although I assume my provider would offer the support I needed, as they did when I needed time off for exams or revision. They always adjusted to my timings and availability, and the bookig system made everything very clear.

This question doesn't really apply in terms of the fact that I didn't work towards a qualification with my organisation so I wouldn't know. Although I assume my provider would offer the support I needed, as they did when I needed time off for exams or revision. They always adjusted to my timings and availability, and the bookig system made everything very clear.

Yes, there is a summer and winter tea party, multiple celebration evenings and the chance to branch out and volunteer for different departments. Various departments hold different events and workers can help set them up as well as joining in, such as the Christmas raffle. Overall, there are a variety of social activities.

Yes

Incredibly friendly and reliable, and they are very flexible in terms of working hours and commitments. The work is handled and distributed well, and there are hardly any issues in the department overall. Support is great and the patients are even greater! Definitely would recommend to anyone wanting to work in healthcare.

Read the job description and be ready to work with different types of people. Showcase your personality in the interview, and really learn to work as team and communicate with others. A strong academic profile is also useful but not mandatory. Overall take pride in your work and do it to a high standard.