Using volunteers to support end-of-life care.

The role of volunteers in end-of-life care in the acute hospital setting is not widely established. This article reports on an innovative model of care using trained volunteers that was introduced at a Liverpool trust in 2012. The volunteers were to provide a listening ear, comfort and support for patients who were dying, their families and friends. A training programme was developed and reviewed, with views from volunteers, staff and relatives evaluated. Psychological support for the volunteers was regularly provided.