Another cohort of End of Life Companions has completed their training making the total 14 for both hospitals.

The role of the Companion is primarily to sit with patients who are nearing the end of their lives and have no-one to keep them company.

They will also sit with patients where families have to be elsewhere. A recent situation was where a companion sat with a dying patient when his only daughter had to look after her disabled husband. She reported, “it was great to know somebody was with dad when I could not be – and I really found the companion helpful.”

Our coordinating  Chaplain, George Spencer, said: “Companions are just that – people to keep people company. They are not there to push any views or religion, and they leave the nursing tasks to the ward staff. It’s simply sharing humanity.”

Often using a Companion is considered when the Individual Care of the Dying Documentation is started but the offer could be made earlier. The patient, or their family, needs to consent – or else a best interest decision is made – before a Companion is recruited.  Referrals are made via Switchboard to the Chaplaincy, Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. A match up will be made as soon as possible.

Companions receive training in attitudes to death and dying, grief and bereavement and person-centred care. Our End of Life Care trainers and Macmillan nurses help with understanding the dying process and what to expect.  More training will soon be offered, including a shortened course for healthcare staff – contact the Chaplaincy for details (CRH extn 4220 or HRI extn 2092).