Mealtime Assistant - (HVC-1869)

Mealtime Assistant - (HVC-1869)

Posted for BHRUT (Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals)

Posted by Havering Volunteer Centre

Register your interest

You will be redirected to the Havering Volunteer Centre website to express your interest.

Could you provide support for the patients on a ward at mealtimes and provide assistance and encouragement with feeding and hydration? 

BHRUT are offering a role for the right volunteer as a mealtime assistant, this role is incredibly important to both the hospital staff and the patient but also the role itself carries responsibility. 

Volunteers will be provided all the necessary training to ensure that they are comfortable with the procedures around becoming a mealtime assistant volunteer. 

Tasks include:

• Liaise with the appropriate staff at the start of each mealtime to ensure an awareness of each patient’s medical needs in relation to their diet and the way they feed is understood
• Introduce yourself to the patient and say who you are and explain what you are going to do.
• Encourage patients to eat and remind them where necessary, if they have not finished their food.
• Ensure all food and drink is within easy reach of each patient
• Ensure the patient has the correct meal. Assist patients in cutting food and opening packets.
• Refresh patient water jugs as required
• Assist with patient dignity. For example this may be by wiping the patient’s mouth (with their permission) or ensuring they have a suitably placed napkin and hand washing before and after meals
• Ensure the patient is comfortable and safely positioned (if not, seek assistance from the healthcare team as you are not permitted to lift patients)
• Ensure that the patient has access to any equipment they need for eating including false teeth.
• Remove crockery and cutlery from the patient’s bedside area and ensure the area is kept clean and tidy – maintain high standards of personal and food hygiene
• Help patients fill out menu cards if instructed by healthcare team

What skills do I need?

What are they looking for?

We are looking for volunteers who can undertake the role with the upmost care and professionalism, whilst being respectful to the environment that they are in.

Practical Considerations

Volunteers must be willing to undertake all the necessary training to meet the needs of this role