Ward Support Volunteer
Role Overview
Ward Support Volunteers play an important role in supporting patients and staff on hospital wards. The role focuses on providing non-clinical assistance, helping to maintain a welcoming ward environment, and offering companionship to patients.
Volunteers support the ward by assisting with general duties such as chatting to patients, distributing meals, making drinks, restocking supplies, and running errands under the guidance of nursing staff.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
On Arrival to the Ward
Cleanse hands using alcohol hand rub
Ensure ID badge is worn and visible at all times
Report to the Nurse in Charge to make them aware of your presence
Ask to be introduced to your ward mentor
Check if there are any patients or areas you should not visit
Meals and Refreshments
Assist with meal delivery to patients under staff guidance (no direct feeding)
Collect menus and help patients complete them where appropriate, under staff guidance
Check menus against the ward board to ensure eligible patients have ordered meals
Fetch late meal requests and special menus from the kitchen
Collect used cups for washing
Refill water jugs and cups when appropriate, under guidance
Refill the cold water reservoir on mobile hot drinks machines
Restock mobile drinks machines with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and soup
Restock aprons, gloves, and general ward supplies as required
Assisting Patients
Chat with patients and offer companionship
Read to patients when requested
Encourage and help patients complete patient satisfaction questionnaires
Pass patients personal items such as towels, newspapers, books, and drinks
Inform staff promptly if a patient asks for a nurse
Assisting Ward Staff
Assist nursing staff with bed making
Clean bed tables if soiled by food or drink, following infection control guidance
Fetch wheelchairs when required
Help maintain tidy locker tops and bedside tables in line with infection control procedures
Restrictions
Volunteers must not:
Administer food, drink, or medication to patients
Have hands-on contact with patients
Observe or take part in bathing, toileting, or any clinical care
Assist with meals or drinks without first checking with ward staff
Skills and Personal Qualities
Able to respond calmly and compassionately to emotional or difficult situations
Enthusiastic, friendly, and approachable
Reliable, with regular attendance
Able to maintain strict confidentiality
Capable of working independently and as part of a team