St Kentigern has a triage system whereby advanced nurse practitioners triage all the referrals sent in from the health care professionals within the community or hospitals. The triage system helps to prioritise which needs come first. The hospice also offers a whole host of holistic and supportive options, from complimentary therapies, counsellors, occupational therapists, etc., in fact, a full multi-disciplinary team works to offer support to the patient.

Francesca loves working at St Kentigen’s and finds the role so rewarding, though it can also be emotionally difficult. “It can be hard; you do get attached. We have patients that are here for a long time, it's not just a few days or a week and you follow them through that last journey.” The staff are equally supportive of each other which is a huge benefit. Naturally when working with the patients and their families every day, relationships are built. This can be rewarding for all involved but can also be tough on staff as the patient comes to the end of life.

“A great thing about working here is just the privilege of knowing that patients will have a dignified death. That the families can act as family members, not as carers, they don't have to be the carers for their loved ones when they are here. The daughter can be the daughter of the mum and vice versa. The husband and wife can be together again. It's taking that stress off them. I’ve always said when people come in here, they get scooped up by the staff and have a big blanket wrapped around them. We not only look after the patients but also the whole family.”

Families usually remember the great care that is given at St Kentigern for both them and their loved ones. Some will show their thanks and appreciation for the care their loved ones received by raising money to give back to the hospice. Families even return to volunteer and give back the time that the carers gave their loved ones. Often people return to St Kentigern just to drop off simple things such as a box of chocolates or tea bags and coffee. Every act of kindness goes a long way and Francesca and the staff at the hospice all appreciate it. 

St Kentigern encourages patients to make the hospice a home and welcomes pets such as dogs, cats or even sometimes horses! Every effort is put into creating an atmosphere where the patients and their families feel as comfortable as possible. When Francesca went for her interview at the hospice she remembers being taken aback by how warm and friendly everyone was. Knowing it would be a great place to work that would be rewarding, she now feels proud to a part of St Kentigern and of the work that she does there.

“We've come across so many different patients and their families, and it's lovely. You see people from all walks of life, and they have an incredible story to tell before they came here. They had a job, they had a family, they lived their life. We try and get as much information as possible from them on admission. We learn about their previous jobs, their hobbies, and what they do and don’t like. If they tell us they don’t like a certain tv channel we will turn it off. It’s all about individualised holistic care.”

It is important that the families and patients all feel at home and welcome at the hospice. The staff keep what they can light-hearted and fun and encourage a positive relaxed atmosphere as much as possible.

“We have a drinks trolley in the family room so if patients want a drink we let them enjoy it. If it's a special birthday or occasion, it's nice that they can come in here and sit with relatives and have a little tipple and a catch-up. Many times we've had people in the family room enjoying a Chinese meal and a glass of wine brought in by a friend. We can be flexible here and that is so important. We go above and beyond.”

What matters most to Francesca is that “Each person that comes through the door, is given care that is as individualised and holistic as possible. That the care they are given makes it possible for them to be able to meet their goals. Even if it's as simple a task as having a bath or being able to sit up in their chair. The hospice makes them feel comfortable and is as homely as possible for them.”

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ST KENTIGERN HOSPICE

St Kentigern Hospice was founded in 1955 and is a hospice that provides specialist palliative care services to patients with life-limiting illnesses. Their clinical services are free of charge to patients and their families across the catchment areas of Denbighshire, West Flintshire and East Conwy. The state-of-the-art facilities and incredible staff provide families with individualised care for each patient. The hospice focuses on quality of life for patients and families during palliative care.

To learn more about St Kentigern Hospice, click here.

Source: https://stkentigernhospice.org.uk

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