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*Mealtime Assistant

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Trust

This role is currently only available for those interested in volunteering in the Emergency department at Queens Hospital or King George Hospital.

This role is currently only available for those interested in volunteering in the Emergency department at Queens Hospital or King George Hospital.

The secret ingredient is always compassion.

Mealtime Assistants generally chat with the patient to ensure their mealtime experience is a pleasant one, thinking about the whole experience and how important food and hydration is to their rehabilitation.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Our Mealtime Assistant volunteers work with the ward hostess

  • To give out meals and drinks and make sure that the patient has the correct meal,
  • Preparing the patient’s table,
  • Ensuring sure it is clean and free from clutter,
  • Helping the patient to sit comfortably to eat their meal and safely positioned (if not, seek assistance from the healthcare team as you are not permitted to lift patients) to eat.
  • Whilst the role of Mealtime Assistant is to feed patients who need assistance eating, training must be undertake before you are able to do so.


However, much of this role is not about just feeding patients, but rather to ensure that the patient has access to any equipment they need for eating including opening packets and lids and setting out utensils and cutlery, false teeth and they have washed their hands.

  • Refresh patient water jugs as required and assist patients in cutting food. 
  • Helping to clear away after the patient has finished their meal, 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.
  • In this role your will need to be are available during lunchtimes.


Benefits to Volunteer

  • Satisfaction of assisting other and providing an invaluable service.
  • Opportunity to develop personal skills and experience
  • Meet new people 



What skills do I need?

Skills, attributes, experience and qualifications

  • Need to be available a few hours over the lunchtime period, which in a hospital setting is 11.30 – 14.00 and would incorporate helping to serve meals.
  • You will need to free  one or two lunchtimes a week for this role.
  • You will need to be calm and compassionate.
  • If you can make a long-term commitment and are consistent, we would love to hear from you.
  • Need to be 21+

When do I need to be available?

Morning Afternoon Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Where does this role take place?

Voluntary Services,
Ground Floor, Neutral Zone
Queen's Hospital, Rom Valley Way Romford
Essex
Essex
RM7 0AG

View on Google Maps →

Register your interest

We limit the number of roles you can initially express an interest in to 3 opportunities. Please only register an interest in 3 roles maximum.

  • Ideal for people interested in
  • Health and Social Care
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Older People
  • Ideal for people who like
  • Befriending
  • No Specific Activity
  • Application Process
  • Application Form
  • DBS Check
  • Informal Discussion
  • Online Application
  • References
  • Support provided
  • Access to group meetings/socials/team events
  • Basic reference can be provided
  • Induction provided
  • Peer support / buddying system in place
  • Training provided
  • Volunteer Handbook available
  • Volunteer will have named supervisor
  • Written role description
  • Accessibility
  • Accessible parking available
  • Accessible toilet facilities
  • Hearing/Induction loop available
  • Information in alternative formats
  • Volunteering venue wheelchair accessible
  • Expenses reimbursed
  • Meals/refreshments
  • Travel/mileage
  • Organisation Policies
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Safeguarding policy
  • Data Protection Policy
  • Equal Opportunities Policy
  • Volunteer Policy
  • Other Information
  • Are there any age limits?
    21+
  • DBS checks - additional information
  • Expenses - additional information
  • Recruitment Process - additional information
  • Reference can be provided after how long volunteering?
    1 year
  • Support Provided - additional information
  • Thanks / Recognition for Volunteer contribution
  • Transport Info (nearest station / bus stop)
  • Volunteers covered by insurance

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