Clinical Services Archives - East Cheshire Hospice

Volunteer Sue Cook has a unique connection to East Cheshire Hospice

Volunteer Sue Cook has a unique connection to East Cheshire Hospice.

Her younger sister Jill Potts was the Hospice’s first female patient.

Jill died of cancer on her 31st birthday – March 21, 1988 – just weeks after the charity opened its doors.

Sue honours her memory by helping at the charity’s Congleton shop.

Jill Potts pictured in 1987.

She is glad to renew her connection with the Hospice after losing her husband Graham and parents Harry and Maureen in the last 15 years.

Sue said: “I wanted to give something back. I usually help on the shop till at least twice a week. It’s satisfying and keeps me busy.

“With bereavement there’s no set pattern. It was painful at times to think about Jill dying so young.

Sue Cook helping in the East Cheshire Hospice shop

“Jill was a career girl and travelled the world organising conferences for ICI, now AstraZeneca. She was excellent at languages.

“Her cancer was virulent. She was quite poorly and the ward manager at Macclesfield hospital explained about the new Hospice.

“We were concerned about controlling her pain relief if we took her home. She was in the Hospice for about two weeks and was the first female patient admitted.

“The staff were marvellous. The matron greeted us and promised that Jill wouldn’t feel any pain and she didn’t, which helped us.

“Our family, including my two brothers, were so impressed with the Hospice and how they helped Jill and us. She was never alone. Mum spent all night in a reclining chair while I sat with her all day.

Sue (left) and sister Jill in 1975

“On her birthday we all sang Happy Birthday and gave her cards. Jill died later that day.”

“There was a male patient in the next room with lung cancer who died before Jill.”

Sue spent 25 years with AZ where she was a PA before leaving in 2004 to run an antique shop.

Graham was a health and safety manager in the engineering department at AZ, while Sue’s brother Ian worked in the print room. Older brother Robert was the only sibling not to work at AZ.

Sue said: “We were all devastated at Jill’s loss. We’re grateful that thousands of other patients have since benefited from the same love and care she received.”

Newest addition to the team is specialist dementia nurse Sara Jones

East Cheshire Hospice has further strengthened its dementia team as it looks after an increasing number of patients and carers.

The newest addition to the team is specialist dementia nurse Sara Jones who brings a wealth of experience.

The Hospice has run dementia programmes from its Macclesfield site for the last 10 years.

Dementia nurse Sara Jones.

Those courses have been gradually extended locally over that period due to demand, while the charity also had a long-term aim to serve other locations in Cheshire East.

To meet that need, communities in Knutsford, Poynton, Wilmslow and Congleton communities all now have dedicated carer wellbeing programmes.

The dementia team at East Cheshire Hospice.

Sara joins the Hospice from the End of Life Partnership where she was an Admiral Nurse in its advanced dementia support team.

The Crewe-based charity delivers education around end-of-life care.

Sara also has experience of working in a hospice setting after starting her nursing career in neurosurgery and intensive care.

She said: “I’m thrilled to join the Hospice which has a great reputation for palliative care.

“There aren’t many specialist dementia nurses in the area and my role will be to help deliver programmes to patients and carers out in our community. It’s important our services are as accessible as possible.”

Debbie Kassas, Specialist Dementia Nurse and Dementia Lead at the Hospice, said: “People can self-refer and attend courses in any of our areas. Dementia awareness is improving, so more people are seeking support.” Call 01625 666990 or visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/dementia-support for more details.

Sisters sell off prized possessions as a way of thanking East Cheshire Hospice

Sisters Imogen and Hattie Shuttleworth are generously selling off their prized possessions as a way of thanking East Cheshire Hospice for looking after their grandfather.

Richard Lea, from Macclesfield, is an inpatient at the Hospice after he was diagnosed with a stage four brain tumour on Christmas Eve.

He dotes on his two granddaughters, so the efforts made by them to support the Hospice are a great source of pride to him and his family.

Imogen (left) and Hattie with grandpa Richard Lea. 

Hattie, aged 10, ran a teddy bear stall outside her home which raised £400, while Imogen (14) will spend six months selling her beloved artwork.

Bollington Printshop print for free to support her fundraising, with all sale proceeds donated to the Hospice where the girls have been regular visitors to Richard’s bedside.

Imogen, a pupil at Church Lawton School, Staffordshire, said: “I’m volunteering as part of my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and want to use my creativity and paint commissions, mostly of pets and landscapes, to raise money for the Hospice.

Hattie with her teddy bear stall.

“The charity is very important to our family as it cares for our grandpa who has a brain tumour.”

Hattie, who attends Ivy Bank Primary School, used her Christmas money to make friendship bracelets bearing messages.

Mum Verity said: “Hattie decided she wanted to sell her teddy bears to raise funds. Dad isn’t well but he’d be thrilled by what his granddaughters are doing.

Imogen and her artwork.

“We’re extremely grateful for the way the Hospice are looking after us all as a family.”

Imogen and Hattie have already raised more than £900.

* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/imogen-shuttleworth-1

A new-look lymphoedema service

A new-look lymphoedema service run by East Cheshire Hospice is hoping to welcome even more cancer patients.

Dozens of patients have already attended sessions at the charity’s Sunflower Living Well Centre (SLWC) within the first six months.

That success encourages Lymphoedema Specialist Nurse Vick Sayers to believe that more people can also benefit.

Criteria for referrals is that lymphoedema must be directly related to cancer or its treatment. Examples are arm swelling after surgery or radiotherapy for breast cancer.

Patients learn about the four cornerstones of lymphoedema management – skin care, exercise, lymphatic drainage massage and compression garments.

Vick said: “Caseload numbers have increased since we developed the programme and there must be others requiring help.

Vick Sayers, who runs the lymphoedema service at East Cheshire Hospice. 

“We want to make everyone aware that support and help is available here for those who need it. Patients must be referred by a healthcare professional.

“The service was shut during the SLWC renovations, but referrals have started to come in again.”

The Hospice also runs a lymphoedema support group meeting on a fifth Tuesday in a month.

Vick said: “All sessions focus on educating and empowering patients to self-manage their care, as lymphoedema is a lifelong condition.

“The lymphatic system is vital but often overlooked and underappreciated. It is crucial for immune function, fluid balance and detoxification.

“When a patient has breast cancer surgery their focus, understandably, is on removing the cancer.

“They may be unaware they may be left with swelling in the arm for the rest of their life and may need to wear a compression garment. This can have a psychological impact on their body/self-image.”

Vick was a district nurse for eight years.

She said: “A background in palliative care and bandaging leg ulcers etc helped me understand how fluid exchange works.

“I see new patients recently diagnosed and many who have had lymphoedema for years. I see outpatients on a regular follow up basis until their lymphoedema is controlled and stable.

“The group sessions are fantastic for peer support, sharing techniques and tips, as well as exercising with others in a similar situation. The feedback has been extremely positive.”

Sessions run weekly on Tuesdays (1.3o-3 pm) at the Sunflower Centre. The referral form is on the Hospice website www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/how-to-refer.

 

* Lymphoedema is a chronic condition characterised by swelling in the body’s tissues. It most commonly affects the arms, legs, head and neck. Secondary lymphoedema can be caused by cancer and its treatment

Exciting experience enjoyed by patients at East Cheshire Hospice

Driving a Formula 1 car, riding a roller coaster and visiting magical destinations across the world.

Just a few of the exciting experiences enjoyed by patients at East Cheshire Hospice without even leaving Macclesfield.

Virtual reality headsets allow patients to fulfil their dreams from inside the comfort and safety of the Hospice.

The VR headsets were donated by NFON UK, a subsidiary of NFON AG, a leading European provider of integrated cloud business communications.

The new technology has benefits for staff and patients.

Myles Leach, Managing Director of NFON UK, visited the hospice to see VR in action.

He said: “We’re delighted to support the incredible work of East Cheshire Hospice. It’s inspiring to see how technology can make such a positive impact on patient care and create meaningful moments for the people who need it most.”

Conor Stubbs, Head of IT at the Hospice, said: “We’re extremely grateful to NFON UK for their generous donation of these VR headsets.

Myles Leach (right) from NFON UK hands VR headsets to Conor Stubbs at East Cheshire Hospice.   

“The technology allows patients to revisit familiar local landmarks or explore places of personal significance.

“Virtual reality gives us an incredible opportunity to promote emotional wellbeing and create meaningful experiences for our patients.

“It’s about finding ways to truly enrich the lives of those we care for.

“The equipment will also play a key role in staff training, developing skills and further improving quality of care.”

VR helps promote relaxation, either through walks in forests, on beaches and other spaces. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety.

There are plans to customise content, create a virtual Hospice tour and library and set up clinical training apps and learning resources. VR can also be used to monitor health data.

Here is a sample of patient feedback:

“I loved the F1 car video and the Subaru rally simulator. It felt like I was behind the wheel experiencing the speed, excitement and adrenalin rush.”

“I saw the Eiffel Tower, Egyptian pyramids and enjoyed a 360-degree sky dive.”

“Best thing ever. The closest I’ll get to the Maldives, especially the beach and I loved the stingrays.”  

For one patient a trip on a bullet train in Tokyo was on his wish list, while an app allowed others to draw in an immersive 3D environment.

The Hospice are also using headsets loaned by Macclesfield and District General Hospital last summer as part of their strategy to aid patients through technology.

1913 Model T Ford visits the Hospice

A VIP guest took centre stage at East Cheshire Hospice, attracting attention and providing entertainment and nostalgia for outpatients.

The dark green 1913 Model T Ford, driven by its owner Steve Nixon, drew admiring glances from patients, staff, and volunteers outside the Hospice’s Sunflower Living Well Centre.

Day care patients Alan Broom (right) and Dave Marshall with Steve Nixon at the wheel and volunteer Anna Scott-Jones alongside him.

His other collector’s item – a 1903 Darracq – is entered in the famous London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday (Nov 3).

Steve and wife Beverley, from Tytherington, will set off from Hyde Park at sunrise, in a convoy of almost 400 veteran cars.

Steve and Beverley Nixon at Hyde Park Corner in their 1903 Darracq for the London to Brighton run.

Steve said: “The London to Brighton run is described as the most prestigious motoring event in the world, above even the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans.

“The run should take about five to six hours driving between 12 to 15 mph, though I’ll reach 22 mph on fast, flat roads.

“Hopefully, I don’t have to rebuild the engine enroute like I did last year. About 60-70 cars will break down as engines aren’t as sophisticated as a modern electric lawnmower.

“The atmosphere in Hyde Park and Pall Mall the day before is fantastic.”

Last year Steve’s car was parked next to a 1905 Spyker driven by actor Kenneth More in Genevieve, a famous 1953 film. The car Genevieve is also taking part.

Steve said: “The patients loved seeing the car and asked lots of questions. I’d be delighted to take the cars back to the Hospice.”

Nick Robinsons visit to the Hospice

Broadcaster Nick Robinson, the man behind the microphone and behind the scenes at East Cheshire Hospice, popped in to meet staff.

The presenter of BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme has helped the Hospice secure vital funding since becoming a patron in 2020.

His sister Dr Debbie Maxwell, a Hospice trustee, joined Nick on a tour chatting to healthcare professionals about their work.

East Cheshire Hospice patron Nick Robinson with art therapist Fay Mitchell.

Their late father Robbie spent his last few days at the Hospice and the Macclesfield-based family are grateful for the care he received.

Nick’s support has included hosting Meeting of Minds, a series of exclusive virtual events with high-profile guest speakers.

Guests have included Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham; Sir John Timpson CBE, Baron David Blunkett and broadcaster Robert Peston.

April Green, the Hospice’s Philanthropy Manager, said: “We’re extremely lucky to have such a talented broadcaster as Nick as a patron.

“His Meeting of Minds series was created during Covid when guests couldn’t be present.

“These one-hour sessions have been a good touch point, attracting inspiring speakers allowing us to have a voice and share details about our innovation projects we’re trying to fundraise for.

“They let people know what we’re trying to achieve and are interactive and accessible.

“Nurses and relatives have also given a first-hand account of the impact of care.

“With Nick’s help as host, he’s helped us secure more than £3m in pledges and donations for projects such as Hospice @Home, Co-ordinated Care and our dementia services.”

Further Meetings of Minds are planned next year.

Chief Executive Karyn Johnston received a special surprise at Art Fair

Chief Executive Karyn Johnston received a special surprise to coincide with 10 years of service at East Cheshire Hospice.

Karyn was given a prestigious award for community service by Clare Hayward MBE DL, the High Sheriff of Cheshire.

The award, made at Art Fair Cheshire, recognised Karyn’s efforts leading a team which continues to put the Hospice at the forefront of end-of-life care.

Karyn joined the Hospice as head of income generation before assuming the role of chief executive six years ago.

Karyn said: “This recognition only came to me because I work with great people. I know this award is down to the team effort.

“I was embarrassed to receive a personal accolade which really belongs to my colleagues and others who support the Hospice in many different ways.”

Karyn Johnston (left) with Clare Hayward MBE DL, the High Sheriff of Cheshire.

The Hospice cared for a record 1,277 patients and thousands of family members last year, further illustrating its value to the community.

Karyn said: “Last year, via all our services, we helped the most patients in any single year in the Hospice’s history.

“That was before the extension of our new Sunflower Living Well Centre, which opened in April, so we can probably expect that figure to go up this year.

“Our aim is to help more patients year-on-year. We are driven by the needs of the community.

“For instance, we realised that people in the community wanted more care at home, so we added two more teams to our Hospice @Home service.

“This doubled the number of our teams serving our community in the comfort of their own homes.

“Our ambition does not diminish in the slightest. We’ll soon be announcing another big project to make end-of-life care even more accessible.”

The 25th year of the Art Fair was once again a major success, raising vital funds for the Hospice.

A VIP gathering to launch the fair raised a substantial sum from the sale of artwork, setting a pattern of generous giving which continued during the week-long event.

Karyn said: “The Art Fair was yet another glorious example of a superb collective effort, involving artists, buyers, sponsors and other supporters, including our wonderful volunteers.”

Art created by schools and colleges added to the community feel, as did a special display by those who access childhood bereavement counselling at the Hospice.

Guests included key Hospice sponsors and supporters, including Macclesfield MP Tim Roca.

Sponsors were AstraZeneca, The Little Greene Paint Company, Thorneycroft Solicitors, Estate Planning Solutions and MacPac.

East Cheshire Hospice re-welcomes Kim Williams

Kim Williams has gained a lot more nursing experience since she was last on the ward at East Cheshire Hospice.

It was 20 years ago that Kim was a bank nurse caring for patients there.

Now she has returned to the Hospice to help develop clinical services.

Kim has taken up an Advanced Nurse Practitioner role at after 35 years as a cancer and palliative care nurse.

Kim will be one of four ANPs at the Hospice which continues to lead the way with its palliative care provision, both within the Hospice and in the community depending on patient need.

Advanced nurse practitioner Kim Williams.

Kim said: “It’s good to be back after all these years and there are a few familiar faces.

“The Hospice cares for and supports patients and their families experiencing life threatening conditions.

“There’s an increasing need for dementia support and we treat patients with COPD, heart failure, MND and old age frailty as well as those with a cancer diagnosis.

“I’m looking forward to being part of a team working to ensure palliative support is offered in the most appropriate place, at the right time and avoiding inappropriate admission to hospital.”

Kim started her career as a specialist oncology nurse at The Christie, Manchester, where she was also a Macmillan nurse.

Her Macmillan work also included spells at Wythenshawe Hospital and St Ann’s Hospice.

She has also been a university lecturer in Manchester and Leeds focusing on cancer and palliative care.

Kim was education lead at St Ann’s before training as an ANP.

She worked in primary care in Salford during Covid and afterwards within GP and urgent care services across Manchester.

She has also attained a Masters qualification in Cancer and Palliative care and a Professional Doctorate in medical ethics.

* East Cheshire Hospice is running a Yoga Challenge for two weeks from Monday, September 9.

Participants can take part in daily yoga activities at their own pace.

The online event promotes physical health, mental well-being and community spirit while raising funds for the charity.

Organiser Luke Hughes said: “The challenge offers various yoga styles and is open to all skill levels.

“Join us in breathing, stretching and feeling good for ourselves and the Hospice. Updates and lessons will be shared via Facebook, though you don’t need an account to take part.”

Participants are invited to raise at least £50. For more details visit the Hospice website.

East Cheshire Hospice is taking its dementia services out into the community

East Cheshire Hospice is taking its dementia services out into the community, getting even closer to those who need help.

The Hospice has run dementia courses at its headquarters in Macclesfield since 2015.

It has now started operating weekly Dementia Carer Wellbeing Programmes in Wilmslow, Congleton, Knutsford and Poynton, as well as continuing on-site in Macclesfield.

This will make services more accessible to whole communities.

The expansion, which is part of a new five-year Hospice dementia initiative, is funded by Hospice supporters and a National Lottery grant.

Hospice professionals knew from experience there was increasing demand for dementia services in Cheshire East.

Debbie Kassas, the charity’s Specialist Dementia Nurse and Dementia Lead, said: “Our long-standing eight-week carers courses are very popular. We doubled capacity to six courses a year in 2021 and that helped initially but eventually the waiting lists increased again.

Debbie Kassas, Specialist Dementia Nurse and Dementia Lead at East Cheshire Hospice.  

“When we reached capacity here on-site, we knew we’d have to do something entirely different.

“A long-term aim was always to have more presence around our community, as well as Macclesfield.

“The extra funding means we’ve now gone from six courses to 15, with three in each area per year meaning we can now offer these courses to over 300 people per year.

“People can self-refer and attend courses in any of our areas. Dementia awareness is improving, so more people are seeking support.

“There are still patches of the country which don’t have such courses, so Cheshire East does have a high level of dementia support compared to other areas.”

It means dementia patients can receive up to 16 weeks of support free of charge by their family member attending Hospice courses.

During the initial eight-week course, the carer receives advice on different educational subjects while in a separate room the patient has Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), including activities such as games and sounds.

Patients then have the option of a follow up eight-week course on maintenance CST.

The Hospice has expanded its team in response. Dementia Nurses Paul Dale and Laura Howard are assisted by Wellbeing Assistants Anita Hoskins and Sharon Birkinshaw with Sue Caulcott providing admin support.

Dementia Nurse Paul Dale offers advice.

Debbie said: “We’ve had a great response so far now that we’re out in the community. We want more people to be seen as soon as possible rather than be on a long waiting list.”

Call 01625 666990 or visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/dementia-support for more details.

Alzheimer’s Research UK estimates there are 982,000 people now living with dementia.

By 2040 this figure is expected to rise to 1.4 million in the UK alone.

Cheshire East has the fastest-growing ageing population in the north west.

The number of people aged over 50 living with dementia in the area is projected to almost double from 5,300 in 2009 to 9,100 in 2030.

In Cheshire East, 23 per cent of the population are over 65, compared to 19 per cent in the north west and 18 per cent in England.

There are now estimated to be more than 6,000 people living with dementia in this area.