Hospital Discharge Volunteer

Purpose of the Role:

To support patients transitioning from hospital to home, ensuring their discharge is safe, smooth, and successful. By providing practical assistance and emotional support, you will play a key role in helping individuals regain independence, prevent readmission, and access community resources.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with transport, helping patients travel safely from the hospital to their homes.  

• Shopping for groceries or other essentials.  

• Carrying out simple home safety checks to ensure the environment is suitable for recovery.  

• Offer emotional support and reassurance during the transition period.  

• Support patients for a minimum of 4 weeks (maximum 6 weeks) post-discharge, either in person (at their home or in the community) or over the phone.  

• Help patients connect with local services, activities, and support networks to aid recovery and prevent isolation.  

• Encourage and support individuals to re-engage with their community, reducing the likelihood of hospital readmission.  

• Guidance and training will be provided on using the Care For Me platform to assign patients, obtain details of patient support, record visits, and monitor attendance.

Skills and Qualities Needed:

• Empathy and the ability to build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds.  

• Good communication skills and patience.  

• Reliability and commitment to supporting individuals during a vulnerable time.  

• Practical problem-solving skills to assist with day-to-day tasks.  

• Understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding principles (this will be covered in training)

• Proficient use of the internet. 

• Access to email and a smartphone to use Care For Me. 

Time Commitment:

Flexible, depending on patient needs, with a minimum of 4 weeks (maximum 6 weeks) of support per individual. You might need to be available evenings and weekends.

What You’ll Gain:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in someone’s recovery journey.  

• Experience working in partnership with healthcare and community services.  

• Training and ongoing support from Age UK Lambeth.  

• The chance to develop new skills and connect with your local community. 

Training and Support Provided:

• Full training on hospital discharge processes, safeguarding, lone working and patient support.  

• Ongoing support from the Hospital Discharge Community Support Coordinator and the Volunteer Coordinator.