NEWS: Care volunteers needed for our specialist unit

Our specialist unit at Turnchapel is currently recruiting for care volunteers.

The unit is looking to take on volunteers with a background in care to support the work of the nurses and care assistants on the unit.  Anyone who has previous experience in care, perhaps someone who has retired from nursing might be suitable for the role.

Head of Inpatient Nursing Services at our specialist unit, Nicola Pereira said, “It’s all about adding value to what we currently do, by having extra people around it gives us more resources, meaning more time can be spent with the patients.”

Nurse Iain Mitchell is coordinating the volunteers and is currently looking to take on approximately six to eight volunteers to help out throughout the week. Volunteers are also being sought to offer hand and nail therapy to the patients, giving them the chance for a spot of pampering!

Amanda Vincent has been volunteering on the unit once a week since April. Now retired, Amanda spent 45 years as a registered nurse, working all over the world. She spent seven years working as a nurse in the army, serving in Hong Kong and Northern Ireland and in 1999 she moved down to Plymouth where she worked on the Dockyard in Occupational Health.

“I had been out of hands on nursing for 20 years and as I am now retired I thought I would like to actually use my skills”, she said.

Amanda’s role can include ‘anything and everything’ she says, from bed baths, helping to give out food to the patients at mealtimes and changing beds to just sitting with patients to keep them company.

“For anyone thinking about volunteering, do it!” said Amanda. “I would say to absolutely give it a go, as it works both ways, not only is it a benefit for me, but also to the staff working here too.”

If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer at our specialist unit, they should contact our volunteer department at volunteer@stlukes-hospice.org.uk or call 01752 401172.