Volunteers are being sought for an exciting and innovative new pilot project at Noble’s Hospital.

The ‘Dining Companions’ scheme has been put forward by the Hospital's Nutrition Action Group as a way of improving meal times for patients during their Hospital stay.

Having someone to help cut up food, open packages or simply provide company is often all that is required to encourage patients to eat.

Volunteers will be required for three days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) between 12pm and 1.30pm.

This pilot project will commence at the end of September and will run for three months on two wards.

A comprehensive training package has been arranged for all volunteers taking part and guidelines written for ward staff.

It is envisaged that the ‘Volunteer Dining Companions’ scheme will not only support the patients but will also improve their experience while on the ward.

Alan Crowe MLC, Member of Health, comments, "It is nice to know that there are people coming up with brilliant ideas to further help patients feel more comfortable and relaxed when they are in a hospital bed, where they might feel at their lowest volunteers are there to brighten up the days."

If you would like more information about this pilot project, please contact Alison Lester, Volunteer Service Manager, on (01624) 650720 or e-mail alison.lester@gov.im.

Alternatively, call Maureen Redmayne, Speech & Language Therapy, on (01624) 650128 or e-mail maureen.redmayne@gov.im