Ward & Mealtime Support Helper - Intermediate Care Unit, Crawley Hospital

We are looking for Ward Helpers to volunteer in our Intermediate Care Units at Crawley Hospital, where our patients are offered short term recovery and rehabilitation. SCFT’s aim is to keep patients out of hospital where we can and supporting patients to leave hospital.

If you are a peoples person with good communication skills and a caring nature we look forward to receiving your application.

What you will be doing:

Speaking to patients in a friendly and caring manner, being guided by ward staff on who to approach.

Support patients with dementia, and patients with a possible diagnosis of dementia in engaging with ‘Reminiscence’ activities. This includes using RITA: ‘Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities' technology (you will be fully trained to use this simple piece of equipment).

Use of activity bags to help patients occupy their time and relieve boredom.

Support patients identified by ward staff, before, during and after their mealtimes. This includes offering companionship at meal times if the

patient wishes to have a companionable chat.

At mealtimes, clear patients bedside table to accommodate food tray and make sure that patients are in an appropriate position to eat. Encourage

patients to wash their hands, issuing hand wipes if required.

Supporting facilities/ward staff to hand out the correct trays to patients.

Changing and filling water jugs when needed.

Spotting any difficulties and providing support to patients, including opening packets and cutting food. Also alerting ward staff of any concerns.

Tidy up patients bedside tables after eating, including cleaning/wiping surfaces and encouraging hand washing after eating.

After the meal, collect trays from any patients you have been asked to do this for. Feedback to ward staff if a patient has left a lot of food/not

touched their meal.

Making/distributing hot drinks to appropriate patients, following Health and Safety guidance on this.

Depending on the ward, help identified patients, complete ‘Menu Choices Cards’ prior to meals and return to ward staff

What skills do I need?

Interest in supporting older people

Self-motivated; with an ability to think on your feet and work independently

Punctual and dependable

Professional and friendly demeanour

Excellent communication skills

Demonstrates empathy and compassion

To maintain boundaries and confidentiality at all times

To keep good timekeeping and show regular commitment.

To comply with Trust policies

When do I need to be available?

Details

Various shifts available across three wards

Where does this role take place?