This page is a printable version of: http://www.yeovilhospital.nhs.uk/health-services/cancer.htm
Date: 19 June 2013

Cancer

The Cancer Services Team and the Douglas Macmillan Cancer Care Unit aims to provide the best possible standards of cancer treatment, care and support.

In partnership with other hospitals in the South West, we deliver treatment for patients through surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Working together with St Margaret’s Hospice, we also provide palliative care services.

The team includes surgeons, physicians, radiologists and pathologists, oncologists, cancer nurse specialists and other healthcare professionals.

We also have a team of co-ordinators who track patients with suspected cancer from their referral by GP to first treatment to ensure that all tests and appointments are undertaken quickly. Each team has a cancer nurse specialist who is available to answer questions, provide support to patients and their families and liaise with other services and hospitals to ensure that our care is of the highest standard.

The Macmillan Unit is a purpose-built centre staffed by dedicated professionals to facilitate the assessment and treatment of patients with suspected or confirmed cancer. The unit also provides information, support and financial advice as well as complementary services/therapies.

Volunteers required for the Macmillan Unit

Do you offer us three hours per week? To help us as a volunteer in the Macmillan Unit? We are looking for people for two different roles:

UNIT VOLUNTEERS:

Providing support to patients and carers attending the unit. It is a rewarding and busy role requiring volunteers to be approachable, non-judgemental and good listeners

When:

Monday to Friday, morning and afternoon sessions – to be agreed individually

Volunteers are expected to commit to 40 weeks per year, other than in emergencies or exceptional circumstances

Role:

Greet patients & carers in an appropriate manner
Listen to patients, their carers and friends
Chat with patients, their carers and friends
Serve drinks and snacks as required
Obtain further refreshment supplies as needed
Collect and serve lunches for patients receiving treatment
Wash up and keep kitchen area in a clean and safe condition
Clean water dispenser according to schedule
Deliver and collect samples and treatments as required
Complete the volunteers’ rota, notifying the Volunteer Co-ordinator of any planned absence
Support other volunteers and clinical staff within the parameters of the role
Adhere to Trust policies

Training and support:

Attend at least two team meetings per year
- Trust induction – two half days
- Food Hygiene course – one hour
volunteers are expected to participate in on-going informal support and learning opportunities

Skills required:

the ability to empathise
recognise the importance of boundaries
ability to recognise when signposting is required

INFORMATION CENTRE VOLUNTEERS:

The Information and Support Centre offers guidance and support to patients, relatives and carers affected by cancer, providing a friendly drop-in service within the hospital.

Volunteers offer information and assist in locating the most appropriate information and contacts.

When:

Monday to Friday, morning and afternoon sessions – to be agreed individually

Volunteers are expected to commit to 40 weeks per year, other than in emergencies or exceptional circumstances

The role:

welcome visitors to the centre and put them at ease
offer assistance regarding the information and help required
where the person‘s information needs are straightforward, help them access available sources of reference eg leaflets, DVDs, computer based information
ensure information is provided in the most appropriate format
answer the telephone
access electronic information using the computer
assist with administrative duties eg photocopying, filing
keep all displays in the Macmillan Unit tidy and well stocked
keep appropriate records
assist in the promotion of the Centre eg by distributing leaflets and posters within the hospital
work within the policies, systems and procedures of the Centre and the Trust

Training and support provided:

Trust induction – two half days
listening and responding skills – one day course
Information Centre familiarisation
volunteers are expected to participate in on-going informal support and learning opportunities

Skills required:

the ability to empathise
listening skills and responding appropriately
recognise the importance of boundaries
ability to recognise when signposting is required

If you are interested please contact:

Lesley Burgess

Information Centre Manager and Volunteer Co-ordinator
Macmillan Unit and ICU
Mobile: 07796940797
Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Higher Kingston
Yeovil
BA21 4AT
Tel: 01935 383002