MONDAY, 5 JUNE, 2017

New volunteering opportunity at Ninewells

NHS Tayside is looking for volunteers to join staff in ward 6 and in the short stay medical ward at Ninewells Hospital in a new volunteering role as companion observers.

As a volunteer companion observer you will be spending time with patients who have been identified by the nursing team as at an increased risk of falling and who would benefit from more individual one-to-one support.

Volunteers would also be asked to help patients to take part in meaningful activities such as simple arts and crafts, reading a book, playing board games together, doing crosswords as well as general listening and chatting with patients.

For this new role to be a success, NHS Tayside is looking for people who would be able to commit to one shift lasting three hours each week for a minimum period of six months. These weekly shifts are either from 2pm to 5pm or from 3pm to 6pm.

Valerie Ewan, Volunteer Manager at Ninewells, said, “As this is Volunteers’ Week, it is an excellent opportunity to appeal for volunteers for this new role.

“To be a volunteer companion observer you have to be 18 years of age and have an interest in helping and spending time with patients. It is important to have a friendly and understanding nature and be reliable as you will be providing a valuable role within these wards.

“Once accepted as a volunteer, we will provide a range of training to help volunteers carry out their role including topics covering infection control, dementia and staff support.”

If you are interested in becoming a companion observer and would like to hear more about the role, an information event is to be held on Monday 19 June between 2pm and 4pm at Ninewells. Contact Val Ewan, Voluntary Services Manager by calling 01382 740136 or email volunteeringservice.tayside@nhs.net

Contact:

Anna Michie

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138