Part-Time
Generally half a day, once a week
This role provides a pet visiting service to inpatients, to support their wellbeing. It involves visiting patients on the wards.
Hospice staff and volunteers are expected to reflect our Hospice Values in the way they carry out their roles, and in their interactions with each other and with patients, family members and any other visitors.
Our Values are: Care and Compassion, Respect, Trust and Partnership.
What will I be doing/involved in?
Examples of some of the activities the Volunteer will be involved in are shown below:
* Visit patients as agreed with their therapy animal
* Report to Wards for note of patients to visit/not visit
* Report back on any patient issues as a result of the visit
* Help to support the patient’s wellbeing through the delivery of this service
What experience or skills do I need?
* Understanding of the work and values of St Columba’s Hospice. Willing to keep informed and stay updated about our work
* Be an ambassador of St Columba’s Hospice
* Follow Infection Control guidelines
* Must be registered with an appropriate Therapy Animal Service and their pet must be approved by them to take part in this service
* Excellent communication skills
* A strong understanding of the need for and importance of patient and client confidentiality and boundaries, at all times
* Confidence and sensitivity when dealing with difficult information from distressed and anxious patients or relatives
* Willingness to work as part of the wider Hospice team, and with staff and volunteers as required
* Willingness to attend group supervision, and continuing professional development updates
* Experience of working with people with advanced illness is helpful, though not essential
Time commitment and duration
Weekly, fortnightly or standby
Where will I be based?
St Columba's Hospice Care, 15 Boswall Road, Edinburgh
Who will I be volunteering for?
Complementary Therapy Coordinator
Ward Sister
Who else will support me?
Recruitment checks
* Membership of Canine Concern Scotland Trust and/or Pets as Therapy UK
* Interview with Volunteer Services Manager & Complementary Therapy Coordinator
* Application Form
* Two references
* PVG membership (Protected Adults)
* Volunteers must be 18 years or over
Training
* Hospice orientation
* Therapy animal induction
* Team/role induction and training
* Team meetings (if/as necessary)
#J-18808-Ljbffr