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Nutrition Volunteers to Provide Vital Support
Written by Communications Team   

In line with the Department of Health Nutrition Action Plan, Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital Trust has implemented a number of initiatives to make mealtimes a more enjoyable occasion for patients. One of these initiatives is the introduction of the Nutrition Support Volunteer. These volunteers are people who have expressed an interest in assisting patients at breakfast, lunch or supper time any day of the week.
 
The Trust has provided the volunteers with training on different aspects of mealtimes. These volunteers are then supported on the wards by the nursing staff. 


Their contributions include:
 
  • Assisting patients to choose their choice from the menu cards.
  • Offering hand and face wipes before a meal.
  • Offering verbal encouragement to patients to eat.
  • Cutting up food for patients.
  • Providing assistance to those patients who are unable eat independently and who do not have an impaired swallow. 
  • Making the meal a more social occasion - sitting with patients and chatting with them.
 
The use of these volunteers allows greater time for the nurses to spend with patients who have more complex nutritional needs. The Trust is continuing to recruit volunteers and offer training - the next training session will be held on Friday 6 February, 09.30-12.00 in the Postgraduate Education Centre at S Peter’s Hospital
 
For further information please contact
Karen Marsden, Voluntary Services Manager on 01932 723239
 
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 27 January 2009 12:39 )