Ward Companion Volunteers “Why?” “It’s been a long time since anyone held my hand”
What we did? • 6 th January – 27 th March 2015 • 113 recorded patient contacts • 81% patient conscious • 87% involved conversation/listening • 13% sat in silence (some with a conscious patient) • 29% comforted by gentle touch • 68% involved physical help (helping with food/drink; tidying tables, bedclothes etc) • 10% involved communication with nursing staff (either change in condition or care related comment) • 23% examples of supporting and communication with family/carers • 30 th March – to date • 168 recorded patient contacts
Patient Feedback • Evaluation Sheets • Many recorded examples of “thank you” from patient and/or family • Anecdote / Necton Ward • “The Wave” • Anecdote / Shouldham Ward • “Stir Crazy”
Family Feedback • Extract from family testimonial “ … The Ward Companion Team showed Mum a lot of compassion and understanding during her last days, which helped myself and other family members to also cope and deal with this emotional time. We feel that this is a lovely service to offer patients who are in their last stage of life …”
Staff Feedback • “I feel they (WCVs) have been beneficial to the ward. From my observations the patients have enjoyed having someone to talk to.” SN Sarah Peach, Shouldham Ward • “I have no negative comments to make about the Ward Companions, it would just be useful to have more of them, for more hours ….” Sr. Nicola Whales, Shouldham Ward Manager • “ … In the difficult situation, we were not able to improve the patient’s physical function. However, involvement of the Ward Companion Volunteer greatly improved the patient’s emotional and psychological state …. “ Jenny Streather, OT Palliative Care & Oncology
Ward Companion Feedback • “ When I sat with a very poorly gentleman and gently talked to him, he became quiet and settled and when I left one of the patients in the ward thanked me and said I had done a good job. I think it was a relief for the other patients in that ward to have a break from his cries and distress….” Tracey Hipkin • “My experiences as a Ward Companion have been quite uplifting. The role has given me time to actually sit with people and listen, comfort, laugh and cry.” Pat McCallum • “What I have got out of it is that it’s helped me put things back in perspective and to appreciate what I have.” Sue Holman
A Vision for the future … • Ward Companion Volunteers to be embedded on every ward in the hospital where needed, providing a sustainable service. • Establishment and recognition of QEH as a Compassionate Community in its own right, delivering excellent end of life and bereavement care • Continuing to work with Community Partners to ensure that patients who are discharged can access on-going voluntary support in the community if they want it, developing those links and seeing the establishment of Compassionate Communities across the QEH catchment area
Why? The patient said she was glad the Ward Companion was there ……. The Ward Companion said she was glad she was too
Thank you for listening Alexis Mack, Macmillan Information & Support Service Manager Macmillan Care & Treatment Centre 01553 613985 Extn : 3985 E-mail : alexis.mack@qehkl.nhs.uk
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