Friends Patient Support Project

What is the project?

The Friends of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital charity have teamed up with Volunteers Services to set up a patient support scheme at the hospital.

We know how a simple visit or some company at mealtimes can make a huge difference to someone’s experience of being in a Hospital. Our dedicated team of volunteers are here to try and make our patients’ stay more enjoyable.

Our volunteers can visit any patient who needs support, companionship or just would like a friendly chat.

In particular, we focus on supporting patients at mealtimes as we know how important nutrition is as part of the healing process. Hospital wards can feel quite scary and intimidating, particularly for our more elderly patients.

Volunteers work alongside our excellent and dedicated clinical staff providing a human touch and making sure that patients are as comfortable as possible during their stay.

As part of this project we are delighted to annouce that we have a ‘Request a volunteer’ service for the public to request a volunteer to visit a friend or relative in hospital. Once they have completed the form we will do the rest.

What sort of people are we looking for to become volunteers?

Anyone aged 16 or over can apply to be one of our Patient Support Volunteers as everyone has something different to offer.
The only things we require are:

• Volunteers must be warm, caring, outgoing and friendly and willing to give up their time to help others
• Volunteers must be able to commit to a few hours a week for at least one year

If you would like more information or would like to request an application form then please contact us via email volunteering@chelwest.nhs.uk.