A team of ‘end of life’ volunteers

First and foremost – (of course!) we would advise putting plans in place to launch a team of specially selected, trained volunteers who have that most precious of commodities – time. 

These amazing people provide company and companionship to patients and to their visitors. They will act as an advocate for them, and signpost to other appropriate services that the hospital offers.

Family hubs

A safe, private space for families to spend time away from the bedside. To talk to each other or to members of staff. To have some quiet time and recharge the batteries, and to be looked after by the team of Family Hub volunteers who are there to provide emotional support and signpost to all the other services the hospital offers.

Free parking for families of patients at the end of life

As we all know, hospital parking is very expensive, and many families simply can’t afford it. To have this extra worry taken away when they are visiting a family member who is dying makes a huge difference to their experience.

Meal vouchers

There’s nothing like a hot meal to recharge the batteries when coping with a very stressful situation and sitting by the bedside for hours on end. This is a simple, cost effective way to show the hospital cares about visitors. Hospitals sometimes include free hot drinks and sandwiches on the ward as well as vouchers to pay for a daily meal in the hospital canteen.

Care packs

Many of the hospitals we work with have raised funds to produce simple care packs for patients and visitors to use, when needed. These can include:

Personal care

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush/comb
• Tissues
• Deodorant
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitiser
• Hand cream
• Notebook and pen
• Razor/shaving foam
• A sweet treat
• Chapstick

Why not add some useful information too?

• Information about the ‘End of Life Volunteer Support Service’ and contact details of the coordinator.
• A simple but useful hospital site guide (to include cashpoint location/coffee shop/canteen/chapel/quite room/family hub/where to go for fresh air/local shops).
• Staff uniforms – who is who.
• Information about parking/concessions.
• Which facilities on the ward are accessible to visitors (toilet/washroom/tea making facilities).
• Meal vouchers.

Camp beds & bedding for overnight stays & a bathroom for families to use

Now that we are (hopefully) moving out of the pandemic, and visitors are once again allowed in hospitals, it is vital that organisations provide a comfortable camp or put-you-up bed so that they can get some much needed sleep when they stay overnight.

Again, hospitals tend to buy these with funds raised from their associated charity. Having a shower room made available is also very welcomed by families who are staying round the clock with the patient.

Our experience shows us that adopting these practices can make all the difference to those nearing the end of their lives and the people caring for them.

The Anne Robson Trust

We believe that everyone should have the comfort and companionship of another human being as they die, and the support to prepare for the end of their life. We work to support people facing the end of life, whether their own or that of someone dear.

Hospital Partnerships

We work with hospitals to set up and run teams of end of life volunteers to provide bedside companionship to patients on the ward in their final weeks or days, and emotional support to the patients’ visitors. You can find out more about our work and how we can help your hospital here or to arrange an informal chat please contact us here.

We’ve done this before. So, why not use our experience and let us help you to set up an end of life volunteer scheme in your hospital? We can help you at every step of the way.