Volunteer - In Patient Unit Ward

About us

The Ayrshire Hospice provides excellence in palliative and end of life care for patients and their families.

We support people who are aged 16 years and over, who have a diagnosis that is life limiting - this includes respiratory and heart diseases, neurological conditions as well as cancers and other illnesses. In addition, our Family Care Team also support children and young people – as well as the wider family unit – with counselling and bereavement services.

Where necessary, we provide a seamless transition from young adult hospice services to our care. Our care seeks to improve quality of life in various ways, for example; we support and advise on symptom control, provide emotional and spiritual care, social care and we provide personal care when it is needed at the end of life.

We also have pharmacy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy specialist services as well as our much-valued complementary therapy and Respite and Response services. Care is provided in a number of places including NHS Ayrshire and Arran hospitals, care homes and people’s own homes as well as in our In-Patient Unit and Living Well Hubs. In fact, we can provide care anywhere a person considers their home to be, regardless of the complexities associated with this.

Family members, close friends and carers are also supported both during a person’s illness and in bereavement.

The Role

As a IPU volunteer you will enhance the patient experience and make the patients' time in the hospice as comfortable as possible.

By providing practical non-clinical support you will provide a welcoming/friendly environment for all patients, their families and carers assisting the nursing team where appropriate.

You may also be asked to collect those ‘little’ but necessary items our patients need for the day, whether it be a newspaper or their favourite chocolate bar you will provide a vital service to those who need it most.

If you enjoy making someone's day that bit brighter and that bit easier, this is the role for you.

What you will gain

• The opportunity to gain experience in the charity sector
• Take on a new challenge and meet new people
• Opportunity to make a difference to your community
• Learn and develop new skills and use existing skills to help others
• Training and support to carry out your role
• Reimbursement of expenses in accordance with our volunteer expenses policy
• The satisfaction of making a difference in your community