West Mid Seeks Volunteers At Emergency Unit

To support vulnerable patients who arrive at A&E alone

Caring volunteers with good people skills are being sought to support vulnerable patients who arrive at West Middlesex Hospital emergency (A&E) department on their own.

The volunteers would form part of a new team dedicated to offering non medical assistance to patients during their time in A&E.

Joe Johnson, Director of Public and Patient Involvement, explains: “The idea came from patients and A&E staff who met together on 27 February to discuss how we could further improve the experience of people needing our emergency service.

“Many patients arrive alone, often disorientated and in pain. Volunteers can act as their friend and offer support throughout their time in A&E, in addition to the treatment and care provided by the emergency medics and nursing staff.

“If you feel you have the skills for this important role and can spare one day a week, we would love to hear from you.”

Duties would involve:

• Getting hot drinks and water for patients and ensuring they are able to drink them.
• Helping contact relatives and explaining how to get to West Middlesex or how to find/contact their family member or friend if they are admitted to the ward.
• Helping patients understand how the department works, for example, what they are waiting for, and what they can expect to happen next.

This role would not be suitable as a general hospital work experience role.

Please contact Joe or Vicky Burgess, Senior A&E Manager, via the hospital’s main switchboard, for more details: 020 8560 2121.

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April 8, 2013