Our Meal Time Support volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the experience of patients at Lismore Base Hospital. Your goal is to encourage a positive environment and provide meal time companionship and support for suitable patients.

The Acute Stroke and Dementia Unit is a very busy environment, typically caring for elderly patients, most with cognitive impairments. By offering emotional, social and feeding support to patients you will make an enormous difference to their experience.

Volunteers will assist with specific patients (on low-risk dysphagia diets) identified by workplace supervisor at beginning of the shift, with eating and drinking.

Formal training and support will be provided by dietitians and speech pathologists.

A stay in hospital can be difficult for a patient’s loved ones and our volunteers may also offer comfort and support to carers, friends, and family members during visiting hours.

This is a personal, diverse and important role assisting patients with complex needs.

Duty Statement: Provide meal time support to patients:

*Assist meal time by opening food packets, removing lids and setting up meal trays and cutlery for patients to access.

*Prepare cups of tea, coffee and water in the patient tearoom on request.

*Assist in specific patients (low risk dysphagia only) with eating and drinking, following formal training and support from dietitians and speech pathologists.

*Check patient tables for excess food/drinks and place in fridge or rubbish bins.

*Identify and escalate any meal time concerns to the nurse in charge.

*Fetch blankets, towels and pillows to ensure patients are comfortable.

*Field patient and visitor enquiries to staff.

Benefits:

Volunteering plays a vital role in building strong, inclusive, and resilient communities in Australia. Within NSW Health, volunteering maximises the health care experience for patients and clients and is rewarding for volunteers and the health staff.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) encourages people from all walks of life to join our volunteer program as a Healthcare Helper. We aspire to reflect the diversity found within our communities to ensure we are best placed to respond to the needs of our patients and their loved ones.

Volunteering with Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is a fun and rewarding experience that gives you the opportunity to make a difference to the healthcare journey in your local community.

Our volunteering program Healthcare Helpers creates opportunity to meet new people who share the NSW Health CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment.