Could you be a volunteer Dining Companion?

Nobles’ Hospital is looking to further increase the number of volunteer Dining Companions who offer help and companionship to patients during meal times. The Department of Health has, since 2010, established a wide range of volunteer services providing a valuable extra element of support for patients, relatives and visitors, with Noble’s Hospital now having over 25 dining companions.  

The Noble’s Hospital Volunteer Service is looking for more people who have the ability to relate to patients and who are able to volunteer an hour or so of their time to become volunteer Dining Companions during meal times. 

Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK, said:

'The Department is always looking to improve our patients’ experiences at Noble’s Hospital. The work of our volunteers greatly benefits our patients and is essential to the delivery of our wide range of services. The Dining Companion role supports patients at meal times by providing companionship and encouragement, making meal times more of a social occasion and a positive experience.'

Jayne Paton, Acting Senior Nurse, said:

'The help from the Dining Companions is extremely valuable and greatly appreciated by both patients and ward staff. The assistance needed by our patients can be as simple as opening a wrapper or packet or helping a patient to cut up their food. Our volunteers find this service very rewarding and realise how important it is in a patient’s recovery and wellbeing.'

Volunteers have the opportunity to learn new skills through comprehensive training from healthcare professionals, meet new people, and make a difference to patient comfort and safety. 

Alison Lester, Volunteer Service Manager, said:

'The time commitment is relatively small so, if you are a good communicator, enjoy meeting new people and have an hour or so to spare, either weekdays or weekends, please contact Noble’s Hospital Volunteer Service.'

The Noble’s Hospital Volunteer Service can be contacted on;