Volunteers sought to support anxious patients in Antrim Area Hospital Emergency Department

People with time to spare and a passion for helping others are being invited to volunteer in a new role designed to make visits to Antrim Area Hospital’s Emergency Department a little less daunting.

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is recruiting Emergency Department Companion Volunteers to provide comfort, reassurance and practical support to patients and their families while they wait for assessment or treatment.

The initiative aims to improve the experience of people attending the busy Emergency Department, where long waits and uncertainty can often add to the stress of an already difficult situation.

Helping people through difficult moments

Rather than providing medical care, volunteers will act as a friendly, supportive presence, spending time talking with patients, listening to their concerns and offering reassurance.

They will also provide practical help, such as assisting people to access the hospital’s Wi-Fi or helping them find their way around the department.

The Trust is offering volunteer sessions seven days a week, with applicants asked to commit to at least one 3.5-hour shift each week.

Katrina Kelly, the Northern Trust’s Assistant Director of Nursing for Safety, Quality and Patient Experience, said attending an Emergency Department can be an anxious experience for both patients and their loved ones.

“Attending an Emergency Department can often be a stressful and worrying experience for patients and their families. While our clinical teams are focused on providing the very best medical care, we know that a friendly conversation, a reassuring presence and simple acts of kindness can make a significant difference to someone’s experience.

“Our Emergency Department companion volunteers will play a unique and meaningful role within the hospital, and it is our hope that the time they spend talking with patients, listening to their concerns and helping reduce feelings of loneliness or anxiety will make a hugely positive impact during difficult times.

“We are looking for compassionate individuals who enjoy helping others and who can offer empathy, patience and understanding. Volunteering in this role is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to people when they need support the most.”

Who can apply?

The Trust is keen to hear from caring, compassionate and calm individuals with good listening and communication skills.

Successful volunteers will receive training and ongoing support from the Volunteer Services team before beginning the role.

Applicants should be comfortable working in a busy hospital environment and will be required to complete an enhanced AccessNI check before starting.

How to apply

Anyone interested in volunteering can request an application pack by emailing volunteer.service@northerntrust.hscni.net.

Completed applications must be returned by 4pm on Friday 14 August.

Suitability conversations are scheduled to take place in the Emergency Department at Antrim Area Hospital on Wednesday 19 August and Thursday 20 August.

The new volunteer programme offers local people an opportunity to support patients during what can often be one of the most stressful moments in their lives, while helping create a more reassuring and compassionate experience in one of Northern Ireland’s busiest hospital departments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Emergency Department Companion Volunteer?

A volunteer who provides companionship, reassurance and practical support to patients and families while they wait in the Emergency Department.

Is this a medical role?

No. Volunteers do not provide clinical care and instead focus on emotional and practical support.

How much time do volunteers need to commit?

At least one 3.5-hour session each week.

How do I apply?

Request an application pack by emailing volunteer.service@northerntrust.hscni.net.

When is the application deadline?

Completed applications must be returned by 4pm on Friday 14 August.