LAST week was Hospice Care Week and a time for Havens Hospices to shine the light on the people who work for the charity - the volunteers, the cafe workers, the other people behind the scenes who make a big difference to the patients.
It’s a common misconception that hospices are a sad place to work.
Lizzie Ireland, 33 from Southend, a Creative Therapist at Havens Hospices, explains why that can’t be further from the truth.
She said: “Hospices may seem scary and sad, all doom and gloom, but they’re really not – it’s the happiest place I’ve ever worked in. Our hospice isn’t just for people at the end of their life – it’s so much more. We also help make every day count for the patients that come here for support and symptom control.
“I never thought I’d have a career in the hospice sector. I was working in the fashion industry after getting my art degree when a family member was receiving creative therapy at Havens Hospices. Hearing what they did and how much they enjoyed it inspired me to have a career in creative therapy and use my skill set to help people.
“Creative therapy helps people to express their emotions through art-based activities whilst learning new skills. It gives them something else to focus on, not just their illness. It empowers them, and you can really see their self-esteem grow.”
Emily Loader, 25, from Canvey, is a Healthcare Assistant for Hospice at Home. She joined the charity this year after returning to work.
She said: “I have been a stay-at-home mum for five years, so going back to work was a massive transition in my family life. Finding a full-time job that worked around my children, school runs, and home life was a necessity, and Havens Hospices made it all possible for me.
“I am so incredibly grateful to be caring for our patients and families at such a vulnerable time in their lives. Being part of their last memories and making them smile is the most rewarding and fulfilling feeling in the world - feelings that will stay with me forever.”
Lauran Boulton, 36, from Benfleet is a Team Leader at children’s hospice, Little Havens, who coordinates the Care Team on shift to ensure the children and families are being cared for in the best way possible.
She said: “There’s a huge variety of clinical care that goes on, which I think is underestimated. Things like enteral feeding are a big aspect of our care, as well as central lines, seizure management, tracheostomies and breathing-related conditions.
“Little Havens is such a special and beautiful place. The team here is so supportive and really invested in my professional development.”
Jamie Phillips, 40, from Burnham-on-Crouch, is the Team Leader for Hospice at Home at Fair Havens and a nurse, looking after adults at the end of their life in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.
He said: “You can choose to do many different roles during your nursing career, but I wouldn’t be anywhere else or doing anything else in mine.
“I had one patient who was being cared for by their wife but was suddenly dying really quickly. We were able to provide support to them so she could be the wife and not the carer. That’s absolutely our mission - that’s why we’re here.”
Moorin Babawale, 40, from Basildon is the Spiritual Care Lead at Havens Hospices, who became a chaplain later on in life after being inspired by an event in her personal life.
She said: “Sometimes people feel hesitant to talk to me, but spiritual care is not just about religion. It’s about doing whatever you can to give them peace, making the most unbearable time as bearable as possible.
“My aim is to bring spiritual care to the forefront and ensure everyone knows they are welcome at Havens Hospices. I want us to reflect the diversity in our local community, all cultures, religions and non-religions.”
Paula Faupel, 54, from Leigh, is a receptionist at Little Havens. She provides the first point of contact for all visitors and callers at the hospice.
She said: “Our role is really varied from answering the phones, taking donations and accepting deliveries. We greet all visitors and families for the Care Team and show them where to go - we can wear many different hats, which we wear with a smile.
"As soon as you enter the hospice, you feel the warmth and happiness - any fears you might have disappear immediately.”
Janet Taylor Fane, 46 from Southend, is the Deputy Ward Sister for the in-patient unit at Fair Havens.
Her role involves supporting the team caring for adults with incurable conditions so they can have a positive end-of-life experience.
She said: “Nursing at Fair Havens involves working together as a team with one vision, to ensure that the needs and wants of the patient are met.
“A lot of people feel frightened initially as they don't know what to expect. They think it's a place to just come and die, but it’s about trying to make the best of the time they have left. It’s a really happy, safe and encouraging environment.”
Margaret Hebden, 65 from Southend, is the housekeeper at Fair Havens. She ensures the hospices are clean and safe for the Care Teams and families.
She said: "There is no such thing as a typical day in housekeeping, though cleaning laundry is at the centre of it!
“It can be sad working in a hospice. However, it is all about doing the best we can for our patients while they are with us. I feel privileged to work with some lovely people, which makes ordinary jobs like cleaning toilets easy because it is helping them."
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