This group of volunteers provides comfort, information and support of a non clinical nature to patients (and their relatives) while they are waiting for or undergoing treatment in the Emergency Department.

The general type of work involves:

•  sitting with, listening to and talking with patients
•  assisting relatives in family (whānau) rooms and supporting them if required
•  keeping a reassuring eye on patients in the waiting room
• offering a shoulder to cry on or a hand to hold
• assisting with dependent (elderly) relatives or children
• helping out with the delivery and serving of meals and cups of tea
• assisting patients by finding them a magazine or the telephone 
• help out with making beds
• assisting with the general tidiness of public areas.

Key requirements of a volunteer are:

• excellent communication skills
• a compassionate and caring nature
• tact and sensitivity
• an appreciation of different cultures and age groups.

If you have what it takes to become a Friend of the Emergency Department, phone toll-free on 0800 St John (78 5646).