By the bedside

We asked some of the volunteers to share an insight into how they start a conversation at a patient’s bedside. Here’s what they had to say…

• Introduce yourself and explain who you are and why you are with them. Then sit down – no-one likes a hoverer!
• Find out as much as you can about who they are, where they live, how long they have been in hospital, whether they have visitors and if they have children/grandchildren.
• Ask if there is anything that you can do for them. Physically fetch something that they need like a drink, get information they need such as an update from a nurse, find out things for them that might be worrying them, such as help to look after their pet, or worries about their home being empty whilst they’re in hospital.
• If the patient is not responsive, then talk softly about topics like the weather or read a book – I like to think that they can hear me – my favourite is Winne the Pooh.
• If their hand is over the sheet, then ask to hold it. You can learn a lot from a hand squeeze.

J, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital Foundation Trust

Every situation is so different, but I find that these words can reassure a patient…

• “I am here to listen, is there anything that is worrying you that you might like to ask me or talk about?”
• “Can you tell me how you feel about things today?”
• “This is an important time for you, and I am here just for you.”
• “Is there anything you would like to talk about?”
• “Would you like me to read to you for a while?”

M, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital Foundation Trust

Asking the patient a few simple questions and offering a cuppa always helps…

• “It it ok to sit with you for a while and keep you company?”
• ‘‘How are you coping?”
• “Are you comfortable?”
• “Are you being supported by family or friends at this time?”
• If visitors are present, ask if they’d like a drink or would like to take a break.

R, James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Doing your research and knowing details about the person that you’re visiting makes all the difference…

• Are they on ‘red’ or end of life care?
• Does the person you’re visiting wear glasses, are they hard of hearing or have memory problems, such as dementia?
• What are their likes and dislikes? Do they have any visitors? These details all help when communicating with the patient or their visitors.
• Tap the door on entry, offer a smile and a “hello” to the patient by name.
• ’Reading’ the room as you enter can determine whether it’s the right time to talk with the family and patient or quietly back away.
• If visitors want to talk to you, always involve the patient, whether they are awake or asleep.

J, James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The Anne Robson Trust

Here at the Anne Robson Trust, we believe that no one deserves to die alone. One of the services we offer is to help hospitals to recruit staff and train teams of specialist volunteers. These volunteers provide comfort and companionship to patients in the last days and hours of their life, and support to the patient’s family and friends.

Volunteers Week, 1st – 7th June, is our chance to say a big THANK YOU to all the amazing volunteers out there – whether you volunteer for one of our partner hospitals, or for us on our Helpline – we salute you!

You can find out more about what it takes to be a hospital end of life volunteer here .