Palliative Care & Hospice Services of MedWest Health System to hold volunteer training session in Sylva

10/17/2011

SYLVA, N.C. – Palliative Care & Hospice Services of MedWest Health System will hold a series of training classes for new volunteers Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Sylva. 

The 12-hour series will acquaint volunteers with the Hospice philosophy and program. Sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon daily, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, at the Jackson County Public Library, 310 Keener Street, Sylva. Pre-registration is required. 

Hospice offers compassionate care for the terminally ill, their families and caregivers. Anyone with a life expectancy of less than six months can benefit from Hospice services, whether at home or in a nursing facility. 

Volunteers are an integral part of the Hospice team in providing support and bereavement services to patients and their families. Volunteer opportunities include: patient and family support, companionship visits, respite care for caregivers, errand running, bereavement support, chaplain-related and other professional services, office assistance, fundraising and community events planning. 

Contact Linda Nichols, Hospice volunteer coordinator, at (828) 452-8578 to pre-register for the training session. For more information about Palliative Care & Hospice Services of MedWest Health System, call (828) 452-8811 or visit http://www.medwesthealth.org/services/services_a-z/hospice_palliative_care.aspx.