Volunteering
Sleep Project – Could you Volunteer?
Volunteers make a huge contribution to the health and well-being of the nation, supporting the NHS by giving freely of their time, skills and expertise. SATA, along with the OSA Alliance and Sefam are working together to encourage volunteering in Sleep Clinics. To inform the first stage of our project we initially focused on an existing scheme at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon. (Your local sleep department may have a scheme too).
In the video below we asked SATA-member Richard about his 7 years’ experience volunteering at Great Western. Richard talked with us about the key moment for him when he attended an appointment with the Sleep Specialist Nurse Sam Backway, and decided to volunteer. She explained to him that GPs are becoming more aware of Sleep Apnoea and patient numbers are escalating to the point where it is difficult for sleep clinics to cope, with only limited staff available.
On his way out of the building Richard saw a poster about volunteering; he applied through the hospital volunteer scheme. Vickie Hayes, who runs the scheme, explained how she holds information evenings for prospective volunteers. No formal interviews take place but there is a carefully planned selection process consisting of team building exercises and completion of an application form. If successful, a full training programme is offered which typically covers Safeguarding, Mental Health Awareness and other mandatory training modules.
Sam Backway runs a drop-in clinic in her sleep department, which may be attended by as many as 70 patients – Richard became very useful in welcoming visitors to the department. His varied duties have included sending out diagnostic kits to new patients, talking to patients in the waiting room, and sometimes sharing his own experience during a consultation. He was not called upon for advice: clear boundaries are in place within the volunteer role, this is covered in training too.
GW’s sleep clinic has had a number of volunteers over the years; some give up to 7 hours a week – perhaps all on one day – or as little as a 2-hour slot once a week. While it may not solve the current crisis, hospitals currently struggling to run their sleep services would certainly benefit from this support.
Recording of SATA Volunteering Webinar held Wednesday 12th June 2024
Richard – Volunteer
Vickie Hayes – Volunteer Services Manager
Sam Backway – Specialist Sleep Nurse
If you are interested in volunteering in a sleep clinic, or you currently volunteer in one, please contact me at info@sleep-apnoea-trust.org
Thank you
Louise Mather (Sleep Clinic Liaison Officer SATA)