Service Provides Volunteers to Stay with Dying Patients in Hospital So They Don’t Have to Be Alone at Time of Death
St. Joseph Mercy Oakland’s (SJMO) Supportive Care Program will have an orientation and training session for its No One Dies Alone (NODA) program 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 in Rooms D and E at the hospital, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.
Statistics show that nationally and in Michigan, more than one-half of all individuals die in hospitals. NODA provides volunteers to be with dying patients who have no family or friends or whose relatives and friends cannot be with their loved one at the time of death. Volunteers sit with and provide a comforting presence for these patients. The program ensures that patients die with dignity and in comfort.
Volunteers are asked to donate a few hours per month, and every effort is made to work with the volunteer’s schedule. Those who volunteer need not be a nurse or health care worker. However, nurses may earn six contact hours for attending the orientation. There is no obligation to volunteer after attending the training.
Participants who are not employed at SJMO also are required to have a two-hour volunteer orientation, which can be arranged after the Feb. 25 program.
Peg Nelson, NP-BC, PCM, Director, Inpatient Pain and Palliative Services, and Barbara Stephen, Supportive Care Services Coordinator, will conduct the orientation.
Admission is free, and the public is welcome. To register or for information, contact Barbara Stephen by email at stephbar@trinity-health.org, or by phone at 248-858-3399.
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