Stroke Befrienders In an Acute Setting Jan Kennedy Lead Nurse for Stroke North Middlesex University Hospital

What is the Befriender Role at North Middlesex? Stroke survivor Listener Assist Speech and Language Therapists Assigned to specific patients Engage patients in activities Empathise

Why Do We need Befrienders? Isolation Boredom Lack of opportunity to practice communication skills Fear and anxiety Offer hope

Process Loosely based on research presented at UK stroke Forum 2011 Role descriptor designed Stroke user groups contacted Volunteers identified Trust process – CRB Application Induction day Shadowing opportunity

Induction User personal experience What the role is and practical ways of working Confidentiality Infection control Communication difficulties explained Role boundaries Support and reporting Times agreed

Progress 4 Befrienders More interest 4 days of week covered Role developing and will be open to referral from other disciplines

Next steps Evaluate role so far Review role in light of feedback Attract more befrienders Publication

Thank you