FeedingBuddy

volunteers

CCaann yyoouu hheellpp??

Poor appetite and difficulty with eatingand drinking are problems for many olderpatients and can lead to a delay in theirrecovery.

One of the most frequent issues raisedwith Age UK by relatives of olderinpatients is the lack of help at mealtimesfor people who cannot manage thisthemselves.

Some patients are able to eatindependently with a little assistancewhilst others require more individualhelp.

Being unwell naturally affects yourappetite so many patients really benefitfrom some extra support andencouragement; the power of a friendlyface and a kindly word cannot beunderestimated!

Why is nutrition so importantfor patients in hospital?

• The aim of the Feeding Buddy schemeis to ensure that patients in hospitalneeding assistance or encouragementwith eating receive nutrition in a timelyand comfortable way

• Feeding Buddies are volunteers whowork in partnership with ward staff,patients and carers to provide extrasupport to encourage and assistpatients with eating and drinkingwhilst in hospital

• By volunteering to join the scheme youwill be helping many patients to getbetter quicker

• More and more patients, particularlyolder people, are requiring assistancewith their meals. Feeding Buddies aremuch appreciated by ward staff for thesupport they provide

• Patients love Feeding Buddies becausethese volunteers have the time to chatand encourage patients to eat, makingmealtimes a more enjoyable andsociable experience

What is a Feeding Buddy?

What do Feeding Buddies do?They help by:

• Ensuring the bedside table is clean andclutterfree and patients have cleanedtheir hands before a meal

• Ensuring the patient is comfortable andthe table is at the right height

• Handing out meals and drinks andmaking sure that the patient has theright meal

• Making sure a patient is offered analternative if they are unhappy withthe one given

• Opening packets and lids and settingout utensils and special cutlery

• Cutting up food into manageablepieces and assisting the patient to eat

• Being a patient advocate by chattingand communicating their likes anddislikes to staff

• Assisting with food charts and fillingout menu cards

• As a buddy you will receive full trainingbefore starting. There you learn allaspects of the role and meet otherbuddies

• After training you receive ’shadowsessions’ on a ward given by a mentorbuddy or healthcare assistant beforeyou are assigned to a ward

• You choose a slot to suit you. This couldbe as little as one hour a week. All weask is that you can attend on a regularbasis

Mealtimes are:Breakfast: 7 - 8 amLunch: 12 - 1 pmSnack time: 2 - 3 pmTeatime: 5 - 6 pm

• A starting date will be agreed by you,the ward manager and voluntaryservices manager and you will be issuedwith your red Feeding Buddy tabard

• A voluntary worker’s agreement will becompleted specifying your role

• An immunisation check will bearranged as well as an identity badgeto be worn when on duty

Becoming a Feeding Buddy

You may be a student interested in afuture career in healthcare, a busy mum,retired, or just want to give somethingback to the community.

If you have a few hours free a week, areinterested and over the age of 18, we’dlove to hear from you.

Can you or someone youknow help?

Download an application pack from thevoluntary services section of SouthendHospital website, under the ’support us’tab on the homepage.

Contact Jane O’Connell or Chris Miller,voluntary services managers, on 01702 435555 ext. 6135.

Email: Feedingbuddies@southend.nhs.uk

Leave a message for our Feeding Buddyco-ordinators on 01702 435555 ext. 7857and someone will phone you back assoon as possible.

How to apply