Volunteer – Driver Day Hospice
Volunteer Role Description
Department : Day Hospice
Responsible to: Day Hospice Sister
Hours/Days/Shifts available
We are seeking volunteers to support the Day Hospice on Thursdays. A regular commitment would be preferred. The role is based at Ashgate Hospice.
Outline of role
Our Day Hospice gives patients the opportunity to maintain their independence at home and access all our specialist services, such as physiotherapy and complimentary therapy, during a visit for a day at Ashgate Hospicecare. Visits to our Day Hospice also give carers the opportunity to have a break from their caring responsibilities. Patients usually attend our Day Hospice one day a week and remain under the care of their GP. In addition to receiving our specialist care, patients also benefit from meeting and talking to other people who are in a similar situation to their own. They can also join in a variety of recreational therapies and activities, including painting, drawing, needlecraft, IT and more.
The Day Hospice can care for up to 16 patients a day and is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. Transport, lunch, refreshments and all treatments and activities are included in this service.
We are looking for drivers who can assist in the transportation of patients to and from our Day Hospice, specifically on Thursdays.
Experience required/preferred
We are looking for volunteers who:
· Have their own vehicle (with valid excise licence and MOT)
· Have a full clean driving licence (minimum 3 years post test experience)
· Possess valid insurance for which the vehicle is to be used
· Have good communication and listening skills
· Are flexible and patient
Key tasks
Duties include:
· Providing a transport service to and from the Day Hospice (in your own vehicle) for Day Hospice patients as directed by the Day Hospice Sister
· Liaising with members of staff regarding the transportation of patients
· Collecting patients from their home (or other place of care) and escorting them to the Day Hospice, ensuring they are safe and comfortable for their journey
· On arrival at the Hospice, escorting patients to the Day Hospice ensuring they are handed over to the Clinical Staff on arrival
· Collecting patients from the Day Hospice and escorting them to their home (or other place of care), ensuring they are safe and comfortable for their journey
· Assisting patients to get into and out of the vehicle in a safe manner
Other important information
· All volunteers are required to maintain confidentiality around certain patient and Hospice information.
· DBS (formerly CRB) clearance will be needed for this role.
· Due to the nature of this role, we can only accept volunteers who are aged 21 and over for insurance purposes
· All volunteers are required to attend Voluntary Statutory Training (3 hours) and the Ashgate Hospice Induction (3 hours) and Day Hospice Driver training e.g. Moving and Handling
· Volunteers will be provided with local role training upon appointment
Additional Information Drivers
As the role requires driving your own vehicle on behalf of the Hospice, you will be required to supply the following documentation:
· Valid driving licence
· Valid MOT certificate
· Valid Insurance for the purpose for which the vehicle is being used (drivers should notify their insurance company they will be driving in a voluntary capacity)
· Valid vehicle excise licence
· Valid vehicle service records
All private vehicles used for the purpose of your role should be road worthy, kept in a clean condition fit for purpose, and driven in accordance with the law. No liability will be accepted by Ashgate Hospicecare where vehicles are driven other than in accordance with the law.
For Ashgate Hospicecare vehicles, volunteer drivers are expected to undergo a vehicle familiarisation and driving practice with an appointed person, as well as a driving licence check including endorsements.
A driver pack will be issued to all drivers to keep in the vehicle, to be used when using the vehicle in accordance with volunteer duties.
June 2017