Covid-19: Mediclinic Highveld calls on volunteers to help
Ms Mahlalela further said: “Volunteering during a pandemic is a very important part of the community’s response to Covid-19.
The Mediclinic group called on the help of volunteers as the Covid-19 pandemic has created the need for help in certain roles within healthcare.
According to Ms Sphiwe Mahlalela, patient experience manager of Mediclinic Highveld, volunteers will help healthcare staff by relieving them from responsibilities that do not relate to their core roles, as well as potentially supporting in other community roles.
The call for help is open to those without clinical experience, as well as those who have previously worked in the healthcare industry, but are currently not doing so.
Mediclinic has created these opportunities to ensure that its healthcare workers are able to focus on providing the essential care where it is needed most.
Volunteers will assist healthcare staff to focus on their core roles.
Ms Mahlalela further said: “Volunteering during a pandemic is a very important part of the community’s response to Covid-19.
“However, the safety and well-being of volunteers are still paramount in these efforts and Mediclinic recommends that best practice volunteer management is followed as much as possible, even in these unprecedented circumstances.”
A few things residents can expect when they are volunteering at Mediclinic are that many roles will be supporting the most vulnerable people of the community, volunteers need to register in order to be considered for volunteering roles, for roles that do not require South African nursing council registration, there has been a call to the registering body to fast-track their restoration process for nurses who are no longer registered but would like to accept the call to action now.
Also read: Willem says goodbye to Mediclinic group as Heinrich says hello
Mediclinic will provide those interested with a clear explanation of their roles and responsibilities and if there is a specific way the role needs to be carried out, the place of volunteering, expected hours of work etc.
As things need to move faster during an emergency, volunteers’ roles might be further clarified on arrival.
The Mediclinic Code of Conduct for volunteers is not a legal contract but solidifies the relationship between the volunteer and Mediclinic by defining what is expected from both parties.
The document should be signed before the period of volunteering begins.
Mediclinic will endeavour to provide volunteers with training on infection prevention and control as well as specific tasks relevant to the volunteer’s role.
It is important that volunteers receive adequate training and feel safe and confident to carry out their roles.
Ms Mahlalela urged residents not to take on the role of volunteer if they have not been properly trained to do so.
“In all cases, you should have a named volunteer coordinator who supports you and whom you can contact if any issues arise,” said Ms Mahlalela.
“Buddy systems may also be set up to support you in your role.
“You are expected to report for duty and carry out your role as agreed.
“The professionalism and success of the volunteer programme depends on you and on your conduct. “Please always arrive on time and carry out your tasks as well as you can.
“Not turning up without letting your supervisor know can jeopardise the programme and place at risk the lives of our patients, staff and doctors.
“If you feel in any way unwell, please do not report for duty.
“Let your volunteer coordinator know that you are unable to fulfil your role.
“While much of your work may go unnoticed as you gently support a well-oiled process, you should remember that your efforts are really appreciated not only by the organisation but by those you serve through your volunteering.
“Volunteering can be hard work, but hopefully you will find it to be a very rewarding experience.”
Those interested in volunteering at Mediclinic Highveld, can contact the Mediclinic response team at 021 861 1000.
For more information about becoming a volunteer visit https://bit.ly/3aoMgYK
Also read: Mediclinic Highveld only allows one visitor per patient
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