About Us
Rachel joined St Peter’s Hospice in July 2000 after working as a nurse in the Oncology Centre at the BRI for 8 years.
Patients are usually referred to the Inpatient Unit by our Community Nurse Specialists but sometimes directly from palliative care teams at hospitals and are admitted by GPs/District Nurses at weekends. We can care for up to 18 patients at any one time. Our aim is to provide symptom control, respite care for patients and families and of course we can offer end of life care for those who require it.
The routine in the Inpatient Unit depends on how well each patient is feeling but every morning they meet with the medical team to discuss any symptoms or changes to medication. Time is also put aside to allow patients to talk freely and discuss any concerns. In the afternoon assessments are made and treatment offered by the Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or Social Work team if required.
Visiting times are not restricted as some people work or travel long distances to visit patients, but we do appreciate it if visitors avoid early mornings and mealtimes (all meals are freshly prepared on site) and not too many people visit at once.
Rachel says: “The most difficult part of my job is the big cross-section of age ranges we now get in the Unit. I am a mum and I find it really tough when we have a young mum or dad in the Unit. We do everything we can to try and make it easier for the partners and children of patients.
We do try to keep people at home as long as possible if they wish and we are able to do this with our Hospice at Home team, but sometimes it is not always appropriate for the patient or their family.”
"The best bit about my job is knowing I can offer the high level of care and time that people need. I feel proud to help patients who are very ill and have been anxious about coming into the Hospice, having their symptoms stabilised and going home with an excellent package of care to improve their quality of life. I am proud to be able to support relatives at a very difficult time and help them deal with the death of their loved ones.”