About this role
At Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHT), we have a simple mission – ‘Personal and compassionate care every time’. Volunteers help to enhance the patient experience and complement the work of our paid colleagues.
BHT is a member of the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, sharing and driving best practice in NHS care for the Armed Forces Community and holds the Gold award of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
BHT has also signed the Armed Forces Covenant which is a promise from the nation to the Armed Forces Community, that they will be treated fairly and not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives. It states that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, spouses, partners, and dependents (children up to the age of 18) should not face disadvantage compared to other citizens when accessing health services. This includes offering injured servicemen and women and bereaved families extra support where appropriate.
Veterans (anyone who has Served in HM Forces for 1 day or more, including National Service) may be entitled to priority access to NHS care for health conditions associated with their time in service, subject to clinical need. All members of the Armed Forces Community may also be eligible for support from Military and other third sector charities.
To ensure that patients from the Armed Forces Community are identified as they enter into our care it is imperative that we ask, ‘Are you or an immediate family member currently Serving or Ex-Forces?’. This will allow for the Armed Forces team to identify patients at BHT and offer additional support where necessary.
Commitment
A minimum of 3 hours a week for a minimum period of 6 months. Various days/times available.
What are the key tasks? (non-clinical role)
* Liaise with the Defence Medical Welfare Services (DMWS) Welfare Officer (WO) to identify patients from the Armed Forces Community.
* Support the patient’s well‑being and comfort.
* Spend time with patients who have an Armed Forces link providing a listening ear and engaging in friendly conversation.
* Provide reassurance to help allay the patient’s anxieties.
* Provide generic information regarding support that may be available.
* Raise awareness about the local veteran support networks, e.g., veterans breakfast clubs, drop‑ins etc.
* Notify DMWS WO of contacts made by completing local documentation.
* Refer individuals to DMWS WO should they need additional support.
* This list is not exhaustive, and the role will have the potential to expand and evolve.
What is not expected.
* Providing counselling and therapy.
* Giving medical advice.
* Administering medication or providing intimate care.
* Making promises of support that cannot be fulfilled.
What skills, knowledge and experience are helpful in this role?
* Patient and calm manner is essential.
* Motivated and enthusiastic.
* Always ensure confidentiality.
* Ability to work as part of a team.
* Friendly and approachable.
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
* Able to interact with a diverse range of people.
* Understand and apply CARE values.
* Complete Veteran Awareness Training – essential for those without a military connection, desirable for veterans or Forces Family volunteers.
* Understand the referral process to the DMWS WO.
* Committed to supporting the Armed Forces, veterans, reservists and their families in a healthcare setting.
Essential requirement/commitment
* Volunteers must be over 18 years.
* All Volunteers will require a DBS check.
* Participation in the training relevant to your role and confidential discussion of any reasonable adjustments required to meet your needs.
* To live our CARE values through your volunteering role.
What will we provide and what you can expect from this opportunity?
* Join an enthusiastic volunteering team of people who want to make a difference, just like you.
* Help patients to have a positive hospital experience.
* Knowledge that volunteering is contributing to patient care.
* Learn new skills and develop existing skills.
* Supervision and support from a nominated colleague.
* Specialised training.
* Contribute to your personal development and confidence.
* You will be making an important contribution to your local community throughout your volunteering journey at the Trust.
* Annual refresher training.
* The opportunity to demonstrate a wide range of attributes and commitment.
* A reference for future volunteering or employment, after 6 months.
You can apply online here – http://bttr.im/hoduc
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