Dining Companions

Nutrition is a very important factor in the maintenance of health for everyone.

When people are ill, elderly or frail, it is especially important that a good balanced intake of food and drinks are maintained. This will help them to recover from their illness faster.

The aim of the volunteer scheme is to ensure that patients in hospital receive nutrition in a timely and comfortable manner, where assistance or encouragement is required. By volunteering to join the scheme you will be helping patients to get better quicker.

For further information please telephone 01305 255913.

Thank you for your interest.

Frequently asked questions

What is the scheme all about?

Our Dining Companions Volunteer scheme is designed to improve the mealtimes for patients at Dorset County Hospital, who have difficulty with eating and drinking. Some of our patients would also benefit from some company whilst eating, help with cutting food, opening packets etc.

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Why should the hospital need to use such a scheme?

Often there are many patients needing help at mealtimes, which can create delays in patients getting their meals. Our Dining Companions will ensure that patients needing help will be able to eat their meal as soon as it is served and importantly have someone to talk to whilst eating, therefore reenforcing the social aspect of eating.

Nurses will be able to ask for volunteer help when they anticipate that patients will have to wait to be assisted with eating and drinking.

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Who should volunteer to join the scheme?

Anyone over the age of 16 would be very welcome to join our scheme. What is important is the willingness to improve mealtimes for patients in hospital. Experience of caring for other people is not essential, as full training will be given and you will be given support by the Ward Nurses at all times.

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How much time will I have to commit to the scheme?

You don’t have to commit to any particular time; the scheme is entirely voluntary. You may help as little or as often as you wish.

Mealtimes happen 3 times a day: breakfast, lunch and supper. Any assistance you can give will be gratefully received.

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What training will be given?

Training will be provided and cover topics such as organisation of mealtimes, helping patients and recording any relevant information. This will be followed by supported sessions in a ward area until you feel confident to continue independently. You will never be placed in the position of being totally alone, as the nurses will continue to support you, as you require.

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How will the scheme work on a day–to–day basis?

Volunteers’ names and details will be held centrally and requests from ward staff will be made as soon as the need for extra help is identified. A volunteer who has indicated availability for that mealtime will be contacted and asked if they can help and details of the ward and the time help is required confirmed. On arrival on the ward, the volunteer will report to the nurse in charge and given information on what help is required.

Alternatively you may choose to provide regular help to a particular ward at a particular time. Your help will make a huge difference to patients and will enable them to recover from their illness and return home.

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