News summer 2021 - St Leonard's Hospice
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As Director of Clinical Services, Jenny partnering with York Hospital’s patients and families with their expert Brandom is our new Deputy Chief specialist community palliative care insight. Our wider therapy teams are Executive at St Leonard’s Hospice. team, enabled us to rapidly respond to also continuing to provide tailored Formerly working in the Nursing and patient and family needs. At the same rehabilitation to patients. Quality team as Deputy Executive time, our Single Point of Coordination Nurse at NHS Vale of York Clinical Service was born – a service that None of this would be possible Commissioning Group, Jenny was only continues to grow. The team now without the continued generosity six months into her role at the Hospice manages an average of 50 calls a day. from you, our supporters. On behalf when COVID-19 hit. She is responsible of our clinical teams, patients and as Registered Manager for ensuring that I am so proud of how services have families, thank you. We have never we maintain our outstanding care. Now, worked together and were so flexible, needed you more as we look to as we move out of the pandemic, she supporting each other to respond the future, growing our services is very much focused on how we can to the challenge of ensuring we to give even more people provide care to more people, in line with remain responsive to patient and access to our care. the Hospice’s strategic direction. family needs. We cared for more patients, both in the Hospice and in We are continuing to work “Friday 27 March 2020 is a day that our community, than we have ever as one Hospice to support is etched in my mind. It was the day done before, keeping our services our patients and when we were expected to lead the safe whilst knowing COVID-19 was families and I am COVID-19 response, as the local affecting us all both personally immensely grateful leading end of life care provider in and professionally. to everyone for the community. The first wave was their ongoing imminent and we quickly had to think The pandemic has certainly fuelled commitment.’’ on our feet and innovate. It was clear our ambition to provide more care to we had to think differently as an more people. Helen Galloway and Ally increasing number of patients wanted Skelton, as Matrons, will support the to receive St Leonard’s care leadership of this ambition across all Contents at home, so they could remain with clinical services. Profile on our Outreach Matron.................. 4 Meet our new social worker, John...........18 their families. Graham is diving right in............................ 6 Supporting development..........................19 Our bereavement team is continuing FAMCARE report........................................ 8 Smoothie operator!..................................20 Bringing end of life care specialists to respond to the needs of the local Rainbow of Ribbons, Alistair’s story........10 A lasting legacy........................................ 21 from across the community together, population and our family therapy and Every life matters......................................12 Midnight Walk.......................................... 22 with our Hospice@Home team spiritual care teams are supporting St Leonard’s Lottery turns 18!.................14 Calendar of events....................................23 Meet our new Trustee...............................16 Retail volunteer.........................................24 2 3
Ally Skelton is a familiar face at requiring palliative and end of St Leonard’s. She has worked at the life care. Hospice for six years, most recently as Hospice@Home Senior Sister. She My aims and ambitions over the has now taken on the pivotal new role next 12 months include working of Outreach Matron, responsible for closely with the Director of Clinical the Hospice@Home, Single Point of Services and the clinical teams Coordination, Complex Care, Family to effectively plan and influence Care, Bereavement Support and Day delivery of the Hospice strategy, Care services. supporting our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. I plan to review “The role was created as a result the lessons learnt over the previous of experiencing the unprecedented 12 months and engage with key challenges we faced in response to partners to ensure the continuation the pandemic. My key focus is to and development of safe and ensure that St Leonard’s Hospice effective care delivery. remains and grows as lead provider of end of life care across the Vale Another important part of this of York, with emphasis on meeting role for me is to support staff with the needs of our diverse local their wellbeing and development, community. acting as a senior point of contact to support with mentoring and We want to reach as many people coaching. as possible, ensuring patient experience and safety is of the I am really proud to work for highest quality. St Leonard’s Hospice, which leads the way as an outstanding My role will require working closely organisation. I am privileged to be with local partners to understand part of the team. The Hospice’s the challenges and needs of patients care and commitment to the and families across the community, community is both admirable and This picture of Ally was taken in 2020 in order to influence the experience distinguished.” of as many people as possible 4 5
Graham has set himself a swim challenge with breast cancer, which had spread to this summer in memory of his late wife, her bones. She was given various Jane. She was cared for by the treatments, including a drug trial which Hospice@Home team before she died Graham feels extended her life. at home, with Graham by her side, in August 2020, aged 52 - 20 years and 9 Hospice@Home became involved in days after the couple first met. Jane’s care when Graham could no longer cope caring for her alone. Graham stopped swimming in 2017, when Jane became ill, but has decided “They were a fantastic support, to return to the pool - albeit this time an providing the vital link between the 8ft pool in his garden - to raise funds various services including the district for St Leonard’s. He aims to swim one nurses and the hospital. I could always hour non-stop tethered to a bungee rope, rely on the Hospice@Home team as which will enable him to swim in his they are such specialists in dealing with newly purchased garden pool. people with a terminal illness. This is quite a challenge for Graham, They were always there for me and who confesses to not being a confident nothing was too much trouble. swimmer. “I’ve done sponsored runs but I remember them contacting the never anything water-based, so this is a hospital team on my behalf and real challenge for me,” he says. advising me on how to put an extra pain relief patch on Jane’s arm when Graham was keen to raise money for the she needed it.” Hospice as a thank you to all the team who helped him look after Jane after her The Hospice@Home team were involved wish to remain at home. in Jane’s care for two months but as Graham explains, “it is the intensity, Jane first became ill on Christmas Day not the time that is relevant – one day 2017. “She was in so much pain I had to feels like a month when you are in this call an ambulance. We thought she was situation. I can’t thank them enough.” having a heart attack but it turned out to be fractured ribs,” Graham remembers. We wish Graham lots of luck in his In February 2018, Jane was diagnosed summer challenge! 6 7
Our care is amazing! Doctor’s attention “All the staff were excellent, they gave care and consideration... to patient’s friendly attention and a chat Each year, the Association for Palliative Medicine publishes its FAMCARE Report. symptoms which was much appreciated.” This looks at how satisfied bereaved relatives are with UK hospices’ in-patient services. We wanted to share with you the percentage of relatives who were very satisfied with our services last year, with St Leonard’s scoring well above the national 77% average in the majority of categories. Availability of “The Hospice is a the team Patient’s comfort The way the patient’s wonderful place... to the family 83% 73% condition and likely “...eternally grateful thank you for your for the superb kind work.” “The care given at progress was explained service you gave.” this awful time was by the team wonderful.” 73% “Both the Emotional Hospice@Home “We, as a family, were “Lovely place. The team support team and kindly treated...a perfect were outstanding in their given to The way the team respected In-patient Unit were end to a long life.” care and consideration... the patient’s dignity great empathy and the patient outstanding in 70% every respect.” 90% understanding... going the extra mile.” “As a famliy we were very impressed. Keep “We were up the good work!” very happy “...an oasis of calm... “My husband could “The team were to know that treated with the not have had better excellent...the supprt “Excellent there are utmost dignity and care and attention if they gave to me and communication places in York respect. I felt secure he’d been royalty... my girls was also Speed symptoms with all the staff... like this.” and valued...” staff were excellent excellent.” cannot thank the and very helpful.” were treated team enough.” 67% “I can’t express how Information about wonderful the care Practical of my husband and managing patient’s “Well done to all the How effectively 56% symptoms team, receptionists, “The nursing staff assistance the consideration the team were lovely. The cleaners, gardeners, provided given to myself and carers, kitchen staff managed the Hospice room clean my family was...very patient’s and comfortable.” by the team and doctors all doing experienced and 60% a great job.” symptoms 77% special angels...” 8 9
“We are all joined together by good as possible was done, and Easingwold Market Place, Selby Abbey invisible threads. Some stay strong, Jenny was looked after just as plus brand new locations; Helmsley some weaken, some get knotted and much as Alistair. I remember we Walled Garden, Museum Gardens, All twisted and others break.” were both offered hand massages Saints’ Church, Pavement, York and - bliss - as I, too, spent most of the St Martin’s Church, Coney Street, York. Each year, Jean dedicates a ribbon for last month with them, as did many our Rainbow of Ribbons in memory others of his family. There is still time to dedicate a ribbon to of her son, Alistair Douglas Carr, who remember or celebrate someone special. was cared for by the Hospice before his Jenny and I bade him farewell in the You can do this at any of the seven death in 2013. company of two night staff nurses locations, via our website or by calling on April 1 2013. A man of delicious the fundraising team on 01904 777 777. Jean and her husband, Ken, live in wit had the last word and chose his Wales and have been unable to travel to passing day with care. York in recent years to see the rainbows. In loving memory of Alistair Douglas Carr. The Rainbow of Ribbons in Museum Instead, each year they receive a red 28/1/1970 - 1/4/2013 Members of the team have Gardens on the railings behind St Olave’s ribbon to dedicate to Alistair. responded to my letters and helped Church, near the old bowling green. me to watch the online Light up “The Rainbow of Ribbons has kept Alistair was cared for in the Hospice a Life service - this is all part of our bright red thread to Alistair in December 2012 before spending the care and ethos that is spread intact, which has meant that we have Christmas at home with his wife, Jenny, throughout the Hospice and beyond. not lost that connection to him.” where Jean and Ken joined them. It brings so much comfort. We miss said Jean. In January 2013, Alistair and Jenny our visits and the quiet moments in returned to St Leonard’s where Alistair the Sanctuary, but our red ribbon Alistair’s family chose a red ribbon spent most of the next three months. shows we are still part of the St because of his love of Barnsley Football Jenny stayed with Alistair throughout Leonard’s family and they are Club - red and white being their team this time and a bed was brought into his certainly part colours - and because; room so that she could be comfortable of ours.” “Alistair was always the spark of at night. light that lit up any gathering he was Our seven vibrant rainbows are now part of, whether with family, with his Jean added: shining across the region, all filled with many friends and colleagues or with “Everything that could be done to personal dedications to close friends folk he had just met.” make their last weeks together as and family. They are at the Hospice, 10 11
Our care is not just limited to the between the palliative care and the any of his appointments. Malcolm arranged to change the locks, as Hospice and people’s homes; we are homelessness sectors in the region. She became so weak that he was unable Malcolm had lost his keys, and passionate about giving everyone in our is currently delivering training to other to get out of bed and his mental organised a deep clean of the flat community access to our excellent care service providers working with people health deteriorated as he prepared to provide safe living environment and support. We are currently working experiencing homelessness. She is himself to die, alone, in his flat. for when he returned. He was with national charity, Changing Lives, to helping them to recognise deterioration However, through assertive outreach transferred to the Hospice for initiate a ground-breaking palliative and and the support available for people with instigated by the drug and alcohol symptom management and support end of life care project for homeless or advanced ill health. Here she shares team, Malcolm was supported to with his complex social issues. He vulnerably housed people. a story of how she is supporting a go into hospital. They were shocked was assessed by our team and it vulnerable patient with housing. at the conditions that Malcolm had was felt that he could not safely Homelessness is a term to describe been living in. return to his upstairs property due to people who are rough sleeping, “Malcolm (name changed for reduced mobility. living in a hostel, supported living confidentiality) is 57 years old. He Malcolm was in the hospital for four accommodation, sofa surfing has recently been diagnosed with months. Before being discharged the I supported Malcolm to apply for or experiencing other difficult cancer, hepatitis B and chronic housing management officer rehousing. His application was circumstances. An abstract from the obstructive pulmonary disease. contested by housing registration, Hospice UK conference 2021 shared that Malcolm is a care leaver and has as they had a hospital assessment people experiencing homelessness have a history of substance misuse, that stated Malcolm was able to the worst health outcomes in society, rough sleeping and mental health walk up two flights of stairs with with the least access to services. People problems. He moved into his no assistance. Unfortunately, this living in such circumstances often have council property from a hostel 20 has become the main barrier to complex physical and mental health years ago. As Malcolm’s physical getting Malcolm rehoused. I am needs. Many die 30 years before the health problems began, he found continuing to pursue a suitable general population because they do not it harder to maintain his living tenancy for Malcolm who, after have access to good care. environment. The only consistent over four months in a healthcare support Malcolm had was from environment, just wants to get Charlotte is our Complex Care his work in the drug and alcohol home safely. I strongly believe that Coordinator and her role is to reduce the team (which I now realise is not if housing and health services could inequalities in access to palliative care uncommon). When the drug and work collaboratively with people for people experiencing homelessness. alcohol team were concerned that experiencing homelessness, this Part of her remit is to upskill staff and he had cancer, they referred him to would facilitate a more holistic facilitate a closer working relationship the hospital but he did not attend approach with better outcomes.” 12 13
This summer, the St Leonard’s Lottery The family all felt the Hospice gave open and the greeting was always the Every lottery number entered into the is 18! Since 2003, the lottery has raised Mary a sense of peace, knowing that her same, delivered with such warmth weekly draw plays a part in someone’s more than £6 million for the Hospice. loved ones didn’t need to worry about and welcome. It was a small thing but story, whether it is a patient receiving It is a much-needed income stream to her care. it meant so much to me. complementary therapy, a relative being help us continue to provide our high- supported by our social workers, or a quality care to our community. Lesley adds: I remember, after Mary died, having child making a memory box for their “She felt so spoilt and pampered, to go and collect her belongings. The loved one. The family of the late Mary Rowsby which I don’t think is something she nurse was so kind and gentle. It made play our lottery to thank the Hospice for had really ever experienced before. a very difficult moment incredibly For more information on how to play how we cared for Mary before her death This was one of the best things about easy.” visit stleonardshospice.org.uk from oesophageal cancer in June 2018. the Hospice for me, to see how happy Mary’s husband, Brian, and her niece, Mary was. I could tell she felt special. Lesley, both enter the weekly draw. As a relative, one of the most “It is our way of helping to keep the important things about the Hospice doors open for all who may need was the knowledge that I could visit St Leonard’s,” said Lesley. at any time. The door was always Mary with her husband, Brian, and two granddaughters. Our Hospice@Home nurses would like to thank all those who have supported St Leonard’s Lottery over the years, who together have raised vital funds for the Hospice. 14 15
We are very lucky especially with my background in between stakeholders that work She also was part of ‘Team Nat’ who to be supported healthcare. It was obvious to me to for patients. tackled the UK Three Peaks Challenge in by an exceptional reach out to see how I could best I am not afraid to challenge memory of Natalie, helping to raise more Board of Trustees volunteer.” organisational and cultural than £30,000 for the Hospice. who volunteer boundaries to help organisations their time and She originally started working with the innovate and ensure they are fit for Khushbu is now excited to be taking on expertise for free. Hospice in January 2021, as a co-opted the future.” her fresh challenge as a St Leonard’s Our Trustees come from a wide range of member of the Service Development Trustee. backgrounds. Not only do they provide Committee, before being appointed as a Married with one child and a baby on the “It’s amazing! I am so honoured to the Hospice with strategic leadership, Board member last month. way, Khushbu enjoys painting and board be on the Board of such a fantastic but they also ensure we are providing games in her spare time. She is also a organisation. It’s a great feeling the best possible care and developing Originally Indian, born and raised in keen SCUBA diver. As with her work, she knowing I will be helping make our services to meet the growing needs Spain, Khushbu has lived in the UK is not afraid to take on new challenges in decisions to support the future of our community. for the past 16 years. She graduated her personal life. She once signed up for growth of the Hospice, giving from Kings College, London, with a the Paris Marathon, only giving herself even more people the opportunity We are delighted to welcome Khushbu BSc (hons) in Medical Biochemistry three months to train for it having to access its amazing care Goulden to the Board. Khushbu, who and then went on to get her Masters never run before! She ran to support and support.” lives in York, has very close links to in International Health Management an education charity for girls in India. St Leonard’s. Her sister in law, Natalie, at Imperial College, London. She also was cared for by the Hospice in 2018. took a Postgraduate Diploma in Health She was only 30 years old when Economics at York University. she died. She has gone on to gain a wealth Khushbu said: of experience in both the public and “I’d never had first-hand experience private healthcare sectors, working at of a Hospice so I was struck by how organisations including the World Health amazing the care was. Everything Organisation, NHS, National Institute they did for Nat was incredible, even for Health and Care Excellence and allowing her sister’s dog to come for KPMG, where she was a management a visit. consultant. Khushbu currently works in a commercial role at GSK, the When my job brought me to York in pharmaceutical company. the summer of 2020, I really wanted “I am passionate about healthcare to give back to the Hospice, and see myself as a future bridge Team Nat tackling the Three Peaks Challenge 16 17
Meet our new social Supporting development worker, John As a Hospice we pride ourselves in supporting development, in particular John joined the Hospice be involved in their care. He helping people who want to advance as a social worker in May helps patients document their careers in the organisation or Where does your 2021. He is part of the social work, bereavement this so GPs, medical teams, friends and family know helping those who want to pursue careers in health and social care get money go? support and spiritual care what their wishes are. He on-the-job experience. Every donation helps support the team at the Hospice. The also helps people with Hospice, and the services we provide team does vital work with lasting powers of attorney, Casey (16) is the youngest colleague for terminally ill people and those with patients and families, a simple Will, or support to to join the St Leonard’s Hospice life-limiting illnesses, from bereavement helping them to look get legal advice. team. She is currently studying health support for families to our In-patient at what their practical, and social care and has joined our Unit and Hospice@Home service. psychological and John has worked as a housekeeping team as a bank worker emotional needs are. palliative care social worker to assist her studies. £25 for 22 years. He joins the An important part of John’s work is St Leonard’s team from St Catherine’s “I thought it would be good to see helps give local helping people to talk about how their Hospice in Scarborough and decided what health and social care is like families the gift of illness is affecting them and assist to make the move after the COVID-19 in real life, not just on paper. It has comfort, dignity and time together them in adjusting to the changes illness pandemic prompted changes in how allowed me to see what it is really through our Hospice@Home service. brings, and normalising these changes. social and health care services engage like to work somewhere like this and He says: “What we do here is make it OK to be upset. You can never take away the pain of the loss of somebody, with local communities. He adds: “When this role came up, it put the class theory to life. Coming to work at the Hospice has definitely been a growth experience for me. £50 helps our bereavement support service provide the listening ear so needed by those but you can make it better than it could felt like a good opportunity to be part It was hard at first as it was all new grieving the death of a loved one. have been. We help patients to have of my local community. I’m really and quite emotional, but I have £100 conversations with loved ones and give enjoying it so far. Working with a multi- found it really insightful and helpful them a place to feel safe to be upset, disciplinary team, you have physios, to my studies. helps patients helping them to talk about how they’re doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, The support the stay pain free, feeling and what’s important to them.” spiritual care. There is such a breadth housekeeping team and supported by experts in relieving of knowledge at your disposal. It feels has given me has stress and anxiety though patient care. Another part of John’s role is Advanced like you can address so many needs and been amazing. Care Planning. This includes helping worries that people have. It is great to Everyone has people to decide what sort of care they work with, and learn from them, and be helped me Donate now at want in the future and who they want to able to collaborate – I love it!” settle in. ” stleonardshospice.org.uk/donate/ 18 19
Smoothie operator! A lasting legacy These are not your average smoothies, these are St Leonard’s Hospice Recently, we were overwhelmed and We recently created a special sunflower smoothies, specially created for our humbled to hear of a very generous garden at the Hospice as thank you to patients by our catering manager, legacy left to St Leonard’s by a patient. supporters who have left a gift to Joanne. St Leonard’s in their Wills. We are sure that many gifts in Wills are As part of Nutrition and Hydration Week, prompted by the care provided by our Local legacy pledgers, Roy and Liz, our Joanne used our Project ECHO learning dedicated teams, but we don’t often housekeeper, were the first to plant programme to share with other care know the reason why. It is therefore their sunflower seeds during National providers across the region how she really special to have just a small insight Gardening Week. turns both savoury and sweet meals into into the story behind the donation. smoothies to help patients enjoy the food If you would like to find out Why not give this smoothie they like. Our benefactor received a lot of help more about gifts in Wills please visit recipe a try? and support from all the Hospice teams. www.stleonardshospice.org.uk or email From cottage pie, fish and chips, to fruits This included help with ‘Advanced legacies@stleonardshospice.nhs.uk for St Leonard’s Triple Berry Smoothie of the forest, she makes smoothies to Care Planning’ – that is making his an information pack. 2 Servings suit every patient’s taste. future wishes and Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 5 minutes preferences, such Food intake and enjoyment can be a as his funeral challenge for patients in palliative care but Ingredients: plans, known and Joanne has found that using smoothies • 1 banana documented. He was a has enabled many patients to enjoy the • Large handful strawberries quiet man who had led food they like, with many progressing • Large handful frozen blackberries, a quiet life, living and from not eating at all to enjoying solid plus more for garnish working in York. He food, dependant on their illness. • Large handful frozen raspberries enjoyed being cared • 1/4 cup almond milk for by St Leonard’s She said: “It is really nice when a • 1/2 cup Greek yoghurt and appreciated the patient or family member tells us that Directions phone calls which kept they weren’t eating but, after trying 1. In a blender, combine all ingredients him in touch during the smoothies, now they are - it is and blend until smooth. lockdown. Most of really rewarding knowing you made 2. Divide between two cups and top all he particularly a difference. You can’t change the with blackberries, if desired. enjoyed the delicious illness but you can adapt and do what food provided by our you can to enable patients to enjoy Enjoy! talented kitchen staff. their food again.” 20 21
Our Midnight Walk was Calendar of events certainly one ‘L’ of night for the 400 walkers who took part, July hitting the streets of York in an Rainbow of Ribbons amazing array of ‘L’ themed A colourful display of ribbons fancy dress costumes! celebrating and remembering loved ones. Leprechauns Ladybirds August 1 York 10K York Knavesmire, places still available. 27 to 30 Balloon Fiesta York Knavesmire. September 18 Challenge Walk Haworth and the beautiful Mother and daughter, Chez and countryside. Rochelle, who are both foster carers, took part in memory of fellow foster carer, Lynne, who was cared for by October St Leonard’s. Ladybirds Sarah and Rachel donned “It’s been a horrible year and this is their costumes in memory of their friend 17 Yorkshire Marathon University of York, places still not the sort of thing we do normally Kathleen, who died in the Hospice in available. but it’s a night out for us and it’s August 2019. great fun.” “St Leonard’s made everything easier and Kathleen more November Liverpool shirts comfortable. She was called the dessert lady as she liked the 6 St Leonard’s Ball York Racecourse puddings! The facilities are brilliant. I just miss her.” 28 Christmas Fair – York RI Liverpool fans Julie, and her son Charlie, A huge thank you to For more information about did the walk in memory of Julie’s partner these, and other events, and Charlie’s dad, Andy, who died in the everyone who please visit: Hospice in April 2019. took part. www.stleonardshospice.org.uk 22 23
...part of the community... Sophie outside our Fossgate shop. With over 500 volunteers in over 21 for St Leonard’s in December 2019 as different roles throughout the Hospice, part of her Silver Duke of Edinburgh including catering, retail, bereavement Award at the age of 15. She has now and our Board of Trustees. We couldn’t moved on to her Gold Award and has carry out the important work we do become an integral member of our team. without their talent and commitment. Sophie loves buying preloved clothes We welcome volunteers of all ages and for college and finds lots of books to from all walks of life. support her English and History A-level courses. She said: Meet Sophie, a volunteer at our “I really like being part of the thriving Fossgate shop. She started volunteering community down Fossgate.” To find out more about volunteer opportunities at St Leonard’s visit: stleonardshospice.org.uk/work-with-us/volunteering-at-st-leonards/ For Office use only 01904 708553 @SLHYork www.facebook.com/ stleonardshospice.org.uk stleonardshospiceyork 185 Tadcaster Road, stleonardshospice York YO24 1GL St. Leonard’s Hospice, York is a registered charity, no. 509294 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, no. 01451533
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