Proving to be a hugely successful addition to the team, the volunteers spend time with patients when medical and clinical staff cannot. They will sit and talk, run errands and also help the patient’s loved ones, giving them valuable time to be able to go home for a few hours, safe in the knowledge that their friend, parent, child or significant other is not alone.
Last year the Royal College of Nursing released a study which described how many hospital patients were dying alone, due to the time constraints facing clinical and medical staff. Recognising that more should be done for palliative patients and their families, the End of Life Care Team at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) have been working hard to improve the experience of those in the final stages of life.
Julie Taylor is one of 14 volunteers currently at the Trust, she said of her experiences as a Butterfly Volunteer: “I believe that this is one of the most important things I have ever done, and I really consider it a privilege to spend time with patients during their final moments.
“While you often think of this time as being very sad, there is such warmth being shared by families and friends and being able to help during this time is hugely rewarding. When patients are very poorly, often they just want company and to know that they are not alone. Whether this is holding their hand, chatting with them or simply being there, it is a very humbling experience.”
The Trust have adopted the image of a butterfly due to its close symbolism with endurance, change and renewal, making this association to end of life care as well as the profound effect this has on the patient and their family and loved ones.
Karen Lanaghan, End of Life Coordinator at the Trust, said: “We will all be affected by death at some point and as a hospital it is our duty to ensure that we get this aspect of care right, treating the patient with dignity and respect.
“Due to challenges we face as a health service, we can often view a patient as a series of symptoms, rather than a person with hopes, desires and also fears. While it isn’t always possible for our medics and clinicians to sit and spend time with individuals during the end of their life, our Butterfly Volunteers offer this crucial support. You don’t get a second chance at this kind of care and this is one way in which we hope to ensure that we get it right.”
The End of Life Care Team will also be introducing ‘Butterfly Bags’ which will be free to patients and, after their passing, can then be used by friends or family. These bags will be used to collect the deceased’s belongings, with specific keepsake containers for items such as jewellery or a lock of hair. Serving a dual purpose, the bags will also signify that those holding them are bereaved, prompting staff to ensure they are particularly sensitive with these visitors, offering a helping hand if needed.
This latest scheme is just one of a number of recent improvements introduced to End of Life Care at DBTH. In early 2017, the team introduced the ‘Me and My Plan’ project, which utilises a specially designed folder for patients, containing their care and treatment choices, personal preferences and information. Although a simple addition, this important document allows staff to avoid having the same conversations with the patient regarding their care, as well as serving as a crucial guideline when clinical decisions need to be made about later stages of treatment.
The Butterfly Volunteers were introduced with the full support of DBTH’s Board of Governors, Trust Chair, Suzy Brain England OBE, said: “I believe the work of our End of Life Care Team is absolutely crucial and I am immensely proud, grateful and humbled by the support our Butterfly Volunteers provide for our patients. On behalf of the entire Trust I want to thank them for their contribution at such an important and sensitive time in people’s lives.”
If you would like to become a Butterfly Volunteer, email j.gilleard@nhs.net to find out more information.