Month: April 2023

The newest registered nurse on the ward at East Cheshire Hospice is a familiar face.

Carly Forrester is celebrating passing her exams after almost eight years with the Hospice.

She started off as a health care assistant before becoming an assistant practitioner and then taking an 18-month nursing course.

Carly has worked in the care sector for 16 years, experiencing various medical settings.

The hospice world is her favourite and especially East Cheshire Hospice which has supported her career ambitions.

Carly said: “It’s a privilege to work somewhere so close to my heart. I always wanted to work in palliative care and developed my skills so I can use them where I want to be.

Carly Forrester who has passed her nursing exams.

“I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was about 12 and knew about the Hospice from my previous work in care.

“They were extremely supportive during my training and I’d like to thank our Learning and Development Adviser Anna Redfern, in particular, for sorting out my placements and helping me when needed.”

Carly spent time in hospital operating theatres and mental health units as part of course placements from Staffordshire University.

“Working elsewhere has confirmed just how good the Hospice is. I’m not being biased, but the care here is second to none.

“I don’t see the team work and support given here to the same extent anywhere else. The Hospice is like a big family, whereas there isn’t that same vibe between professionals elsewhere.”

Carly enjoys making candles and now her studies are over hopes to find more time for her hobby.

She has no hesitation recommending a nursing career.

Nurse Carly Forrester who has been with East Cheshire Hospice for nearly eight years.   

“I’d say do it and don’t be put off by any negative comments. If you find an area you want to be in like me with the Hospice you won’t regret it. You’ll love it and hopefully excel.

“My main goal is ensuring patients are safe and happy. To facilitate a good death and be there with them in their final days.

“That means providing comfort and re-assurance for patients, their families and friends and enabling them to spend time with loved ones at such a difficult time.

“I enjoy working in palliative and end-of-life care, whereas some nurses might want to make people better.

“My message is do what you want. Nursing opens up so many doors and you get plenty of support from your employers and university.”

East Cheshire Hospice has been recognised for its excellent work towards its net zero target.

The Hospice won the Progress Towards Carbon Neutrality prize at the East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Judges were impressed by the management’s strategy to reduce costs, freeing up funds for the care of patients and their families.

The panel were also struck by the ‘passion and buy-in from the Hospice teams and that community to deliver truly exceptional progress in reducing its carbon footprint.’

The Hospice has placed great emphasis on caring for the environment as well as patients.

A sustainability group representing staff, volunteers and trustees co-ordinates an eco plan.

It is embedding energy saving into daily practice to ensure fundraising revenue goes to patient care rather than meeting higher utility bills.

The Hospice sustainability group with the award. From left, Claire Duncan, Beth England, Louise Delany, Michelle Walker-Brown, Lisa Ball and Rachel Allcock.

Corporate Fundraiser Lisa Ball said: “We’re incredibly proud of this award and the work leading to it. However, this is only the start of our sustainability journey and we continue our efforts to make our Hospice as eco-friendly as possible.”

The Hospice received the Partnership Cup as their prize at the event. The symbolic oak flask is awarded each year for progress towards carbon neutrality.

The Hospice has led the way among north west hospices striving for more sustainability and shares its wide-ranging initiatives with other facilities.

These include efficiencies on electricity, recycling, solar panels, food and cleaning products.

Death Cafe is the headline-grabbing name of the newest initiative run by East Cheshire Hospice.

The first meeting will be held at the Hope Centre at Park Green on Saturday, April 22 (5.30 pm -7 pm).

All are welcome to attend to chat about death and dying while having a cup of tea and a piece of cake.

The facilitator at the free event will be Hospice chaplain Marion Tugwood and a representative from the Cheshire End of Life Partnership.

Marion said: “There’s no agenda and we’re not trying to force any particular belief on anyone, or sell any products or services.

“This casual, relaxed forum allows us to talk freely and confidentially about a subject many people probably haven’t really thought about.

“It’s not a counselling, or support group. Death and dying is often a taboo subject, but the aim is to make it a topic of conversation it’s okay to have.”

Death Cafes have been running globally since 2011 and have increased in popularity since the pandemic.

 

Marion Tugwood, chaplain at East Cheshire Hospice.

Marion said: “Each session is run slightly differently, but they share a similar ethos which is to create a space for people to discuss death in a safe and supportive environment.

“It’s the first time the Hospice has signed up to this concept. The aim is to normalise discussion around death, so if a friend or family member has an end-of-life diagnosis you’re not afraid to talk to them about it in a sensitive way.

“At the moment, people often express their sadness and then stay away. Half a century ago no one talked about sex, whereas now it’s hard to get away from the subject. We’d like to see the same change around the topic of death. We’re encouraging people to just turn up and let’s see where the conversation goes.”

Marion joined the Hospice at the end of last year and has been overwhelmed by the welcome she has received.

She said: “It’s the best job ever. It’s fantastic and I’ve learned so much about the Hospice and met some wonderful people. It’s been a privilege to be alongside patients and their families at the end-of-life.”

Marion has also introduced Sunday at Six, a short act of Christian worship with prayers, music, readings and reflection in the Chapel. The gatherings are held every Sunday.

She was a founder of the Street Angels project which sees volunteers provide late-night help in the town centre on Saturdays.