Philosophy: St. Mary's palliative care volunteers strive to support and accompany patients and their families by freely giving their time and talents to enhance the quality of life at the end of life.
Rewards: Opportunity to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team, meet and interact with people from all walks of life and cultures, priviledge of accompanying people who are at the end of their life's journey and learning valuable lessons from them, experiencing a sense of community and the opportunity to give back to that community, learning new skills and improving those you already have, sharpens mental alertness, and maintains psychological well being.
Nature of Work: Friendly visiting: As the title suggests, volunteers make themselves available to patients and their families. They offer emotional support and are pleased to perform small tasks that may improve the quality of the hospital experience. Activities may include: offering refreshments, reading materials, newspapers, accompanyment on short walks on and off unit, friendly conversation, a quiet presence, emotional support, portable DVD/CD players, social teas, cocktail hour, help with personal hygiene (shaving, manicures), welcome flowers for new/returning patients, preparation of small gifts for special occassions.
Training: Must attend McGill Palliative Care Training for Volunteers and are invited to attend the International Congress on Palliative Care that is held every two years. They must attend regular in house teaching sessions as part of volunteer meetings, and are invitied to all lectures within the hospital and program.
Contact: Linda Kenemy, Coordinator of Volunteers, Cancer Care Program, 514-345-3511, ext. 3380
linda.kenemy [at] ssss.gouv.qc.ca