Volunteer Hub
Patient Dining Companion Volunteer
Organisation Details
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (2026)
Sub theme: Hospitals and Hospices
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Join our team to support the community and gain meaningful experience!
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is committed to improving the health and quality of life of the diverse communities it serves by delivering compassionate, inclusive, and collaborative care. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting this mission, contributing their time and energy to enhance patient experience, staff morale, and service delivery across all hospital sites.
We value our volunteers as an integral part of our workforce, recognising their contributions through structured support, training, and national accreditation such as the Investing in Volunteers award. MFT fosters a culture of respect, dignity, and open communication, ensuring that volunteers feel empowered and appreciated in their roles.
Who can apply?
Anyone with a passion to make a difference and a willingness to give their time can apply to become a volunteer. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. Whether you have specific skills to offer or simply a desire to help, there are opportunities available for everyone.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, with no upper age limit, as long as they are able to perform the responsibilities of the role at MFT.
Where can I volunteer?
We have a variety of volunteer roles available across our hospital sites; however, please note that your preferred site may depend on availability and service needs. Our hospitals include:
Oxford Road Campus (ORC) – Manchester Royal Infirmary, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and University Dental Hospital of Manchester
Wythenshawe Hospital, Withington Community Hospital, Trafford General Hospital, and Altrincham Hospital (WTWA)
North Manchester General Hospital
Local Care Organisation (LCO), and Trafford Local Care Organisation (TLCO)
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is committed to improving the health and quality of life of the diverse communities it serves by delivering compassionate, inclusive, and collaborative care. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting this mission, contributing their time and energy to enhance patient experience, staff morale, and service delivery across all hospital sites.
We value our volunteers as an integral part of our workforce, recognising their contributions through structured support, training, and national accreditation such as the Investing in Volunteers award. MFT fosters a culture of respect, dignity, and open communication, ensuring that volunteers feel empowered and appreciated in their roles.
Who can apply?
Anyone with a passion to make a difference and a willingness to give their time can apply to become a volunteer. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. Whether you have specific skills to offer or simply a desire to help, there are opportunities available for everyone.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, with no upper age limit, as long as they are able to perform the responsibilities of the role at MFT.
Where can I volunteer?
We have a variety of volunteer roles available across our hospital sites; however, please note that your preferred site may depend on availability and service needs. Our hospitals include:
Oxford Road Campus (ORC) – Manchester Royal Infirmary, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and University Dental Hospital of Manchester
Wythenshawe Hospital, Withington Community Hospital, Trafford General Hospital, and Altrincham Hospital (WTWA)
North Manchester General Hospital
Local Care Organisation (LCO), and Trafford Local Care Organisation (TLCO)
Description of role: Role Purpose
The volunteer role supports patients during mealtimes to enhance comfort, dignity, and the overall dining experience. Volunteers help prepare the environment, make food and drink easily accessible, and assist with simple tasks such as opening packets or cutting food, working alongside the nursing team as part of the Trust’s Food and Drink Improvement initiative.
Please note: This role complements, it does not replace, clinical duties by providing practical mealtime support that enhances patient comfort and overall experience.
Role Overview
You will:
• Support patients during mealtimes
• Prepare the environment
• Encourage eating and drinking
• Assist with practical tasks (opening packets, cutting food)
• Assist patients to wash and dry their hands
• Make sure all items are within easy reach
You will not:
• Approach patients without reporting to the Nurse in Charge
• Feed patients or give drinks directly
• Reposition patients
• Carry out any clinical or nursing tasks
Before Mealtime
• Report to the Registered Nurse in Charge upon arrival to the ward.
• Meet the Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Nurse Associate (RNA) who will identify patients.
• Receive dietary information.
• Introduce yourself and gain consent.
• Prepare the table and environment.
• Follow uniform and hygiene standards.
Hygiene Standards
• Hair tied back
• Bare below the elbows
• No jewellery or artificial nails
• Cover cuts with waterproof plaster
• Wear apron during service
• Wash hands before supporting patients
During Mealtime
• Ensure patient is in a safe eating position
• Ask patients if they need glasses, hearing aids, or dentures
• Position tray, cutlery, drinks for easy access
• Offer condiments upon request
• Assist with opening packets or cutting food
• Encourage eating and hydration
Important Boundaries
Volunteers MUST NOT:
• Feed patients
• Insert dentures or place items onto patients
• Advise on medical, personal, or nutritional matters
• Reposition patients
• Provide clinical support of any kind
After Mealtime
• Clear trays and tidy tables
• Report meal intake observations to RN/RNA
• Support calm, undisturbed mealtime environment
Mealtime Matters Standards
• Help maintain a positive dining environment
• Advocate for patient (e.g. incorrect meals)
• Escalate concerns to the meal coordinator or RN/RNA
Safety & Restrictions
You must NOT:
• Move or lift patients
• Push wheelchairs unless trained
• Access patient records
• Escort patients off hospital premises
• Handle patient complaints
Report incidents or hazards immediately.
Supporting the Team
• Act as a buddy for new volunteers
• Take part in nutrition and hydration campaigns
• Participate in audits when requested
Role and responsibility of the RN supervising the volunteer
The Registered Nurse is responsible for orienting and guiding the volunteer, ensuring safe practice in areas such as infection control and food safety. The nurse selects appropriate patients for the volunteer to support and provides all relevant dietary information. The nurse also ensures the volunteer understands which patients must only be assisted by clinical staff due to higher care needs or safety risks.
Please note: evening and weekend oppertunities may be available following a successful induction period.
The volunteer role supports patients during mealtimes to enhance comfort, dignity, and the overall dining experience. Volunteers help prepare the environment, make food and drink easily accessible, and assist with simple tasks such as opening packets or cutting food, working alongside the nursing team as part of the Trust’s Food and Drink Improvement initiative.
Please note: This role complements, it does not replace, clinical duties by providing practical mealtime support that enhances patient comfort and overall experience.
Role Overview
You will:
• Support patients during mealtimes
• Prepare the environment
• Encourage eating and drinking
• Assist with practical tasks (opening packets, cutting food)
• Assist patients to wash and dry their hands
• Make sure all items are within easy reach
You will not:
• Approach patients without reporting to the Nurse in Charge
• Feed patients or give drinks directly
• Reposition patients
• Carry out any clinical or nursing tasks
Before Mealtime
• Report to the Registered Nurse in Charge upon arrival to the ward.
• Meet the Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Nurse Associate (RNA) who will identify patients.
• Receive dietary information.
• Introduce yourself and gain consent.
• Prepare the table and environment.
• Follow uniform and hygiene standards.
Hygiene Standards
• Hair tied back
• Bare below the elbows
• No jewellery or artificial nails
• Cover cuts with waterproof plaster
• Wear apron during service
• Wash hands before supporting patients
During Mealtime
• Ensure patient is in a safe eating position
• Ask patients if they need glasses, hearing aids, or dentures
• Position tray, cutlery, drinks for easy access
• Offer condiments upon request
• Assist with opening packets or cutting food
• Encourage eating and hydration
Important Boundaries
Volunteers MUST NOT:
• Feed patients
• Insert dentures or place items onto patients
• Advise on medical, personal, or nutritional matters
• Reposition patients
• Provide clinical support of any kind
After Mealtime
• Clear trays and tidy tables
• Report meal intake observations to RN/RNA
• Support calm, undisturbed mealtime environment
Mealtime Matters Standards
• Help maintain a positive dining environment
• Advocate for patient (e.g. incorrect meals)
• Escalate concerns to the meal coordinator or RN/RNA
Safety & Restrictions
You must NOT:
• Move or lift patients
• Push wheelchairs unless trained
• Access patient records
• Escort patients off hospital premises
• Handle patient complaints
Report incidents or hazards immediately.
Supporting the Team
• Act as a buddy for new volunteers
• Take part in nutrition and hydration campaigns
• Participate in audits when requested
Role and responsibility of the RN supervising the volunteer
The Registered Nurse is responsible for orienting and guiding the volunteer, ensuring safe practice in areas such as infection control and food safety. The nurse selects appropriate patients for the volunteer to support and provides all relevant dietary information. The nurse also ensures the volunteer understands which patients must only be assisted by clinical staff due to higher care needs or safety risks.
Please note: evening and weekend oppertunities may be available following a successful induction period.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Customer Service, Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills, Team Working, Written Communication Skills
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Location: