Purpose
This role is to meet and greet patients and visitors arriving in the Emergency Department (ED) of the Brunel building, Southmead Hospital, providing directions, a listening ear, and support for general enquiries.
Commitment level
4 hours, weekly or fortnightly for a minimum of 6 months
Shifts are available 7 days a week. Approximately 8.00am-12.00pm or 12.00pm-4.00pm
Summary of duties
• To meet, greet and direct patients and visitors arriving in the Emergency Department (ED)
• Talk and listen to patients/visitors, answering general enquiries, referring to relevant staff as necessary
• To provide guidance on car parking arrangements and assist with parking pay machine
• Assist taxi drivers find their customers or support patients to phone a taxi if required
• Assist with wheelchairs (training is provided) and ensure there are always wheelchairs available
• Keep water cooler cups topped up, and report any issues to the Move Maker Manager
• Provide assurance to patients waiting for X-ray and if necessary, speak to X-ray reception staff
• Monitor the ‘crossroads area’ for lost people pointing them in the right direction
• To assist Housekeepers in distributing refreshments to visitors
Skills, experience, attitudes, and qualities needed
Essential
• Excellent listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude
• Shows empathy, patience, and consideration of others
• Ability to take clear directions
• A friendly and open manner
• To feel comfortable in an acute hospital environment
• To adhere to the Trust values of treating others with respect at all times
• Understand the importance to stay within the boundaries of the role description
• Problem solving mentality and proactive attitude
• This role may entail a fair amount of walking
• The ability to read floor-plans and maps
Desirable
• Experience working or volunteering within an emergency department or acute hospital environment
• Experience working with people with cognitive impairments or dementia
• Experience working with people with autism or a learning disability
Training and information provided
• Volunteer mandatory training programme (please find further information on our FAQs page)
• Department orientation and induction
• Specialist training if required, such as Dementia Level 2
• Shadowing induction sessions with an existing volunteer or staff member demonstrating the role.
• Ongoing supervision and support
• Ongoing updates and information
Challenges of the position
Coming into hospital can be an anxious time for patients and their relatives, especially in the ED area. Sometimes this may make people less tolerant than they might usually be and they may come across as impolite. It is important that the volunteer remains calm and listens politely and seeks staff support immediately if required.
In exceptional circumstances, aggression may be encountered, and the Trust has a clear procedure in place for managing this.
Boundaries of the position
Volunteering within the NHS has clear bounderies to ensure that we are keeping our patients and volunteers safe. Please download the detailed role description below for further details.
Reimbursement of expenses
• Travel expenses to and from the hospital can be reimbursed
• Meal vouchers for use in the staff Vu restaurant are offered if volunteering for over 4 consecutive hours in one day
Benefits of volunteering
• Gain practical volunteer experience and learn about the healthcare environment
• Develop skills and experience that may be transferable to paid employment, such as working as a part of a team
• Opportunity to help/support patients during a difficult time
• References can be provided on completion of three months volunteering, if required
• Ongoing support and supervision sessions
• Making friends with other volunteers and meeting new people
• Awards in recognition of volunteering contribution
• Light refreshments when on duty
• Free parking
Recruitment information
You will be asked to provide two independent references from people who have known you for more than three years (this cannot be a family member).
You will also need to have a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for this role, which will be paid for by the Trust.
How to apply
If you would like to apply for this volunteer opportunity, please click the link below to be taken to the application portal, where you will be able to apply online:
Current Vacancies | North Bristol NHS Trust (nbt.nhs.uk)
If you would like an alternative method to apply, such as a paper application form, please get in touch with us directly on:
Telephone Number: 0117 414 0110
Email: Volunteer.services@nbt.nhs.uk
Postal Address: Volunteer Services, North Bristol NHS Trust, Brunel building, Level 1, Gate 18, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB