Therapeutic care volunteer role description
Daily supervision: Therapeutic care team office
Location:
- The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough
- East Cleveland Primary Care Hospital, Brotton
- Friarage Hospital, Northallerton
- Redcar Primary Care Hospital
Therapeutic care volunteers will:
- Engage with patients to provide therapeutic care and interaction
- Offer therapeutic contact 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 the ward environment) to allow them the freedom to walk around thereby reducing restrictions that may lead to escalation of behaviours
- Help to therapeutically distract patients for example: playing cards, jigsaws, drawing etc
- Engage in general conversation and “really” listen to patients
- As part of the therapeutic interaction, encourage patients to be aware of their nutritional and hydration needs
- Support patients with staff permission who may need to leave the ward to attend other areas of the hospital
- Complete relevant documentation such as Forget Me Not forms, friends and family feedback and the completion of patient experience questionnaires
- To act as an ambassador for the therapeutic support team and promote the service
Personal qualities:
- Tact and sensitivity
- Excellent communication skills
- Commitment to the South Tees volunteering service
- Ability to work alone and as part of team
- Polite and approachable
- Professional approach
Training requirements:
As a therapeutic care volunteer, you will complete the following training:
- Trust corporate training
- Volunteer Induction Training
Your commitment:
Your commitment to this role will be discussed on an individual basis.
Support and supervision
Your first line of support and for any enquiries will be the Therapeutic Care Team based in an office at the North Entrance next door to the chapel
Communications:
The therapeutic care team will provide you with any information updates, training opportunities and upcoming events on a regular basis.
Users of the service:
All patients, carers and visitors within South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Uniform:
- Burgundy NHS volunteer polo shirt (provided)
- NHS volunteer badge (provided)
- Black trousers
- Black shoes
What departments can I volunteer in?
- Adult inpatient wards
- Women and children’s department
To apply for this role contact:
Therapeutic Care Team Office
The James Cook University Hospital
Marton Road
Middlesbrough
TS4 3BW
Call the team on 01642 835863
Email us at [email protected]
