Palliative Care Volunteers operate as part of the Palliative Care Multidisciplinary Team. They provide patient support in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team, contribute to organisational activities aimed at maintaining quality person centred care and the continuous improvement and development of the Palliative Care Volunteer Service. Volunteers may be engaged to provide specialised services, such as complementary therapies if qualified and applicable. Volunteers may be involved in direct patient support or in non-direct patient contact role or both.

Volunteer Qualities

Emotional maturity and self awareness. Genuine interest in the wellbeing of patients and their significant others. A desire to be of service to the betterment of others. Willingness to learn and accept guidance and supervision. Ability to work as a member of the multidisciplinary team.

Tasks

Friendly Support Visitor, Morning Tea Attendant, Memory Making, Art/Craft Therapy, Massage Therapy, Sausage Sizzle, Entertainer (playing the piano or other musical instrument), Manicure/Pedicure, Administrative, Fundraising, Gardening, Ward Assistant (lounge and family room tidy up, flowers, Spiritual Room, washing/folding), Sewing, Episodic Volunteering for one off function such as Melbourne Cup, Remembrance Evenings, etc

Experience

Townsville Hospital Palliative Care provides training in Palliative Care Volunteering for new volunteers, this allows them the opportunity to learn more about the different facets of Palliative Care, including the importance of boundaries and self-care. They are considered such a valuable member of the multidisciplinary team and will gain satisfaction from being valued for their generosity of time and service to others. Their involvement in the betterment of patient outcomes at end of life has such a huge impact on patients, their significant others and staff. Volunteering in Palliative Care is a very rewarding experience whether providing direct contact on non-direct contact with patients.