Palliative Care Volunteer Program

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SWSLHD is privileged to have the Palliative Care Volunteer Service formally operating across hospital and community sites in the district and forms part of the services offered by the SWSLHD Palliative Care Team. All the volunteers have undertaken a comprehensive training program which enables them to extend the practical caring support to palliative care patients and carers.

The service is supported by the SWSLHD Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator and operates from Monday - Friday between the hours of 8.30am - 5.00pm.

What a Palliative Care Volunteer does:

Volunteers work in the Camden Palliative Care Unit and Liverpool Hospital inpatient unit as well as visiting patients in their own homes or at Bankstown, Bowral, Campbelltown, Fairfield and Liverpool hospitals.

Compassion - volunteers provide the "little extras" for patients and families. Providing emotional support by sitting quietly, listening or talking.
Companionship - volunteers can be with the patient while the carer attends to household chores, appointments or takes some much needed "time out".
Comfort - volunteers provide practical and caring support, engaging in activities such as playing a card or board game, watching TV, listening to music or assisting with day excursions as arranged.

What a Palliative Care Volunteer cannot do:

The volunteer does not:

Make decisions about patient care
Make decisions about the need for medication or administer medications
Provide personal care
Lift the patient, although they may assist others to move or reposition patient.

Job Profile

The volunteers are provided with a job profile and are clear about expectations and policies that impact on their roles. The service also provides the opportunity to resolve disputes with respect and dignity.

V O L U N T E E R

Thinking of being a Palliative Care Volunteer?

Contact the Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator for further information.

Arlene Roache
Volunteer Coordinator
Ph: (02) 8738-9755
Email: Arlene.Roache@health.nsw.gov.au

People who speak a language other than English - in particular Vietnamese, Arabic and Spanish - are encouraged to volunteer.