Daisy Hill volunteers help ensure patients eat well

The Stroke and Rehab ward at Daisy Hill Hospital has reintroduced Mealtime Support volunteers as part of a pilot scheme under the regional Mealtimes Matter initiative. The goal of Mealtimes Matter is to make sure that people using the service are safe and always have a good experience during meals, drinks, and snack times. Good nutrition and hydration is vital to physical and mental wellbeing, particularly when recovering from illness. In hospitals. Some patients need support or even just company, to encourage them to eat safely and well.

Speaking on the project Stroke and Rehab Sister Sr. Ursula Haughey said “Nutrition and hydration is a really important part of both the physical and mental wellbeing for our patients and our mealtime volunteers play an important role working alongside our nursing staff to make meal times a positive experience.

“This role is so valuable because it not only supports patients’ nutritional intake, which is vital for their recovery, but also improves the patient experience through companionship and ensuring patients have everything they need to be able to make the most of their mealtime experience.”

Katrina Lavery, Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Newry and Mourne area said the Trust are incredibly grateful to the volunteers who have come forward for this role. People volunteer for a range of reasons, to gain experience for future careers in health and social care, to give back to services that their family members have benefitted from or simply to keep busy after retirement.

Volunteers have completed bespoke training to learn about the importance of good nutrition whilst in hospital. The training course was delivered by a range of Trust staff, including dietitians, nursing staff, support services and volunteer co-ordinator. It is hoped that this will be rolled out to other wards throughout the Trust that serve meals in the coming months.

The Trust are always keen to expand their volunteering service and welcome volunteers from all walks of life. Visit southerntrust.hscni.net for all their current opportunities or contact the Newry and Mourne volunteer co-ordinator Katrina Lavery at 028 3756 6295 or emain katrina.lavery@southerntrust.hscni.net

You will receive full training and support from a dedicated member of staff, a volunteer uniform and mileage expenses.