Ambulance Service Volunteer - HALO Helping Hand (Plymouth)

Job overview

The HALO Helping Hands role is an assistant to the Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officer (HALO).

We are looking for volunteers to support this new initiative within Plymouth, Devon (Derriford Hospital)

The aim of the HALO is to manage the smooth transition of patients from the incoming ambulance crews into the care of hospital teams. They also aim to get the ambulances turned round so they are available for the next emergency call without delay. This is a critical role in the operational efficiency of the organisation and is directly related to patient safety.

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust offers volunteer placements across the organisation with both patient facing, and non-patient facing roles. This role description summarises the HALO Helping Hands volunteering role and will be supported by local inductions specific to the tasks applicable at that hospital.

The role is non-patient facing (does not deliver clinical care / assessments to patients), however some patient contact is required through engagement, supporting Ambulance crews and their patients on arrival at hospital, and whilst awaiting off-loading.

As a HALO Helping Hands volunteer you are a valued member of our service, supporting our organisation to deliver its mission, vision and uphold our values, willingly and without pay. This role is highly rewarding and offers opportunities to meet new people and learn valuable social and lifesaving skills through the training.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

• To volunteer reliably to the best of my ability and to give as much warning as possible whenever you cannot volunteer as you expect.
• Carry out volunteering tasks as directed by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust leadership team.
• Select and apply in each task the appropriate procedures in accordance with the training received and relevant policies and procedures.
• To communicate with everyone in a clear and effective manner to ensure the best possible experience for everyone involved in the initiative.
• To maintain the confidential information of the organisation and of its patients at all times and in accordance with the Trust’s information governance guidance and policy.
• To treat everyone with whom you come into contact, with dignity and respect.
• Promote Equality & Diversity and a non-discriminatory culture. Identify and take action when other people’s behaviour undermines the expectation of the Trust and of yours.
• To join this volunteering role on the understanding there is no remuneration by the Trust for either pay or for personal vehicle use, excluding mileage.
• Carryout all duties with a high standard of infection, prevention and control measures in place, including maintaining an effective personal hygiene standard.
• Maintain appropriate standards of cleanliness of the SWAST Volunteer uniform, operating environment, and all equipment.

Working for our organisation

At South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) we have a culture where everyone is valued for being themselves. Our aim is to work together to promote the most inclusive environment possible, which attracts people from the widest range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work that we do together, for the benefit of all of our employees, our patients and the communities we serve. We offer flexible working opportunities, inclusive policies and a range of feedback mechanisms to support individuals and to enable a positive, welcoming environment where our people and their careers can thrive in.

We employ over 5,000 employees mainly clinical, operational and emergency response staff as well as supporting roles. We also employ Doctors and volunteers which include community first responders and fire co-responders.

We take all the steps needed to provide the most compassionate patient care possible whilst also providing an enjoyable and safe place to work. We actively promote a positive set of behaviours as being key to our performance both individually and collectively. Our recruitment, selection and screening processes are designed to uphold these standards and we invite all our candidates to actively share with us through these processes how they will bring these behaviours to life.

To view the Trust's Mission, Vision, Values and Goals click here