Caring for our carers: new volunteer role in our hospitals
We are looking to recruit carer companion volunteers to support those looking after others when their loved one comes into hospital.
It is estimated that 7% of the population look after a loved one in the UK, acting as an ‘informal carer’. When their cared for person is admitted to hospital, the informal carers role can often continue during their admission.
Laura Northeast, head of patient experience, said: “We want to ensure informal carers of our patients are fully supported while in our hospitals and offer them advice about the help that is available as an informal carer when they return home with their loved one.”
The ward-based role will include:
- maintaining regular contact with a patient and their carer on a 1:1 basis
- provide a listening ear
- companionship
- assistance at mealtimes
- signposting
Carer companions will be required to shadow staff from the Carer Support Service to understand the role and how the service operates, and will receive ongoing support from the service. No previous skills or experience are required, however the role may suit someone who has been a carer or has had experience of looking after someone. Carer companions will be provided with a uniform and the role will be based in the Royal Bournemouth and Poole hospitals.
Laura added: “We are looking for someone who is compassionate, empathetic, tactful and diplomatic. There may be emotional or distressing conversations with informal carers at times, so this is a challenging but very rewarding role.”
If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact Voluntary Services on 0300 019 4161 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
