How to Suspend Hospice Volunteers During a Flu Pandemic

Hospice volunteers work in facilities offering hospice care to patients who are suffering from a terminal illness. Volunteers donate their time and services to facilities in order to assist patients with every day needs and comforts. They provide company to patients, and supply entertainment materials such as books, magazines and movies. They organize events and activities that give patients the opportunity to enjoy their time. Flu pandemics refer to outbreaks of the flu in a community. The flu can cause numerous problems for patients receiving hospice care. Suspending volunteer services during a flu pandemic can benefit patients, volunteers and their families.

Instructions

• 1

  Ascertain whether a flu pandemic has occurred. The facility will determine how many reported flu cases constitute a pandemic. Specimens may go in for testing to confirm the presence of the flu virus. Implement all policies regarding infection control, including the suspension of volunteers and restricting patient visiting hours. Refer to the health care facility's policies regarding flu outbreaks.

• 2

  Advise hospice volunteers of the flu pandemic and instruct them not to report to the facility until the outbreak ends. This helps protect both the patients and volunteers from catching and spreading the flu to others. Inform volunteers of any consequences that apply should they report for duty during the pandemic. Explain to the volunteers that they will be notified when the flu outbreak is over and they can return to the facility to volunteer services.

• 3

  Notify patients and their families of the suspension of volunteer services due to a flu pandemic. This allows patients and families to make alternative arrangements should they rely on volunteer services such providing patients with books and other forms of entertainment. Inform patients that the volunteer services will be available once the outbreak ends.

• 4

  Change keycard entry options to prevent volunteers from entering the facility during the pandemic. Volunteers may not enter the facility during the outbreak. Employees can explain the situation to the volunteer and advise them that their key card will work again once the pandemic has been contained.

• 5

  Lift the suspension of volunteer services once the flu pandemic has been contained and controlled. Re-activate all volunteer key cards allowing the entrance into the facility. Notify volunteers that the suspension of services has been lifted. Create a new volunteer schedule if necessary. Advise patients and family members that volunteer services will once again be offered. Hold a party inviting volunteers back to the facility as a way of thanking them for their hard work at the facility and their patience during the flu pandemic.