Mealtime Assistant Volunteer

A mealtime assistant volunteer supports patients on the wards through a variety of specific mealtime tasks. These volunteers play a crucial role in the hospital, helping to support the wellbeing of patients and reduce the risk of malnutrition/dehydration, which is a vital part of a patient’s recovery. The volunteer will provide the patients with the assistance that they need to ‘get ready’ and enjoy their mealtimes as well as support the patients at mealtimes ensuring the food and drink is suitably accessible, encouraging and assisting patients to eat/drink, feeding patients and providing companionship.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills
• Practical assistance skills, including helping patients eat and drink safely
• Positive and friendly, providing encouragement and companionship during mealtimes
• Willing to learn and to follow instruction from members of staff
• Good attention to detail
• Committed to help and support staff and the ability to liaise with professionals at all levels
• Punctual and reliable
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Understanding of the need for confidentiality