#BuildingOurFuture with new ED volunteers

An exciting opportunity is being offered to volunteers who want to take on a key role within Walsall’s new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre.

Emergency Department Responder Volunteers are being sought to support the transition of services into the new centre and to help patients, their families and carers.

They will be asked to carry out a range of tasks including signposting visitors, making food and drinks for patients and visitors, collecting and delivering items to the department and helping with Friends and Family Test surveys.

Andrew Rice, Patient Experience and Voluntary Services Manager at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “If you are a positive person, and someone who can adapt to the changing needs of a busy department then this is an exciting opportunity to support your community and be part of a new era at Walsall Manor Hospital.

“The ED Responder Volunteers will take on a variety of tasks to provide non-clinical support for patients, their families and carers to make sure their time in the department is as comfortable as possible.

“ED is obviously a busy environment and, at times, volunteers may experience situations that they may find distressing so this role is only available to those ages 18 years and above. But it has a real sense of teamwork and the volunteers we currently have tell us they really feel they are making a difference.”

Budding volunteers need the following skills:

• Willingness to help, adaptable and a ‘can do’ attitude
• Ability to combine enthusiasm and friendliness with compassion and sensitivity
• Understand and respect patient confidentiality, privacy and dignity
• Ability to maintain professional standards
• Understand and respect boundaries of the role
• Willingness to undertake training as required
• Reliable and trustworthy

Tasks will include:

• Providing food and drinks to patients and visitors as appropriate
• Supporting staff wellbeing by providing light refreshments
• Signposting and directing patients and visitors around the department
• Assisting staff to keep the environment as pleasant as possible
• Collecting and delivering items to and from the department
• Promoting the Friends and Family Test survey to patients and their families
• Additional tasks as required by the department and within the scope of a volunteer role

They will be asked to work a minimum of one shift per week either

9.30am – 1pm or 12.30pm – 4pm.

To apply visit: https://www.walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk/work-with-us/volunteering/

All applications are made through the better impact website.

Voluntary Services can also be contacted on 01922 656869.