Patient Information Room Volunteers

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.

About Patient Information Point

The Patient Information Point aims to provide a comprehensive and enclosed range of health and community related information in various formats to patients, carers, professionals and the public of West Berkshire. Information is free and confidential and can help patients have a better understanding to managing their own heath as well as having access to choice.

The PIP runs health awareness days, weeks and months in conjunction with the NHS National Health Awareness calendar as well as public health of West Berkshire Council, the CCG (clinical commissioning group) for West Berkshire GP practices.

The PIP works in partnership with the Patient Panel West Berkshire and Healthwatch West Berkshire. ensuring effective communication between patient and care professionals.

The PIP works with the Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group and Public Heath to collect information from patients and carers about experiences of NHS services in West Berkshire in a range of self-completion questionnaires and surveys.

The PIP team keeps up to date on local initiatives and services in order to provide good up to date information for their visitors.

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.

When is this role available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

They are seeking to recruit volunteers who would be prepared to commit to a regular pattern of at least 4 hours per week, with the hope that they can work flexibly to cover holiday and absences.

Where does this role take place?