Patient Information Room Volunteers

Patient Information Room Volunteers

Posted for Patient Information Point

Posted by Volunteer Centre West Berkshire

Register your interest

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

Patient Information Point Volunteers are a dedicated team of trained volunteers who enjoy helping people to find the right information about health conditions and other related issues. This busy and exciting opportunity is ideal for good talkers, friendly faces and people with a natural empathy for people, who, from time to time might be a little distressed, anxious or just plain worried.

There is a full job description available, duties will include ordering information, assisting users, data collection, maintaining the presentation of the room, displaying materials and liaising with colleagues.

We are based at West Berkshire Community Hospital, which is halfway between Newbury and Thatcham on the A4 just past the Hambridge Road Traffic lights on the left travelling east.

What skills do I need?

The ideal volunteer will be able to: organise information logically, work as part of a team, listen sympathetically and understand the principles of confidentiality.

People with basic computer skills are essential but training in the PIP systems will be provided.

They are keen to attract people with a strong interest in health information and would particularly welcome volunteers who are keen to assist visitors to the hospital.

From time to time users of this room may be distressed by news they have just had or by what they learn from information in the room. Volunteers should be able to listen sympathetically, but will not be trained to counsel. Training will be provided to enable volunteers to identify when and how to respond in these circumstances and to refer the user to relevant support.

The majority of training will be on the job, however a training programme will offered.