We are Hospice Care because..

Nurses, gardeners, kitchen assistants, receptionists and therapists are among our staff and volunteers being celebrated during Hospice Care Week 2023.

The theme for Hospice UK‘s annual awareness event is ‘We are hospice care’ and we’ve been asking our Willen Family to finish the following sentence “I am Hospice Care because…”

Make sure you look out for some of our staff and volunteers from across the Hospice on social media, who’ll explain how their role contributes to making sure patients in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas continue to have free access to compassionate, specialist end-of-life care. We cared for more than 600 patients here at the Hospice last year, and a further 1,500 patients were supported in their own homes.

I am hospice care because…

Jenni, Therapeutic and Wellbeing Operational Lead

“I am Hospice care because… by offering patients, carers and families the tools and support to deal with a life-limiting condition, we can help them achieve a better quality of life. Managing the constant change that comes with a condition can be like riding a rollercoaster. It can have a huge impact on people’s lives, not only physically, but psychologically, emotionally, financial, spiritually and socially. My team provide therapies and activities that enable patients and their loved ones to maintain their individual sense of health and happiness, and engage in the things that mean the most to them.”

Tom, Head Gardener

“I am hospice care because… I love my job and the Hospice is a great thing to be a part of. My friend was the Head Gardener here and when he was diagnosed with leukaemia, he wanted to pass his role on to someone he trusted. I was originally a part-time volunteer and then a contractor, but he wanted me to take over, so I did and I’m now full-time. I enjoy the job immensely. I’m deeply proud of the staff and volunteers around the Hospice who make this place work. I get lots of compliments about the gardens from patients and their families, but I always pass those on to my team of volunteers, because they’re the ones doing so much of the work.”

Lorraine, HR Assistant

“I am hospice care because… I help to find staff across the business who raise vital funds for what we do here at the Hospice. I joined about four years ago because I was looking for a job and I didn’t want to work for a corporate; I wanted to work somewhere that was important to me and to make a difference.”

Anita, Clinical Nurse Specialist

“I am hospice care because… I’m able to make a positive difference for patients at the end of their life. That’s the reason I joined the Hospice and the reason I love my job many years later. Whether I’m in a management role leading a nursing team or I’ve got my uniform on doing a shift, I’m still supporting patient care. I enjoy seeing those everyday moments, such as the joy it brings a patient when they realise they can have their dog with them here, or a patient’s family telling me they know their loved one is in safe hands with us.”

Amy, Willen at Home Lead Nurse

“I am hospice care because… what I find most satisfying is being there for people in crisis – making things the best I can for the patient and supporting their family. I joined the Hospice more than 11 years ago and I knew straight away this was where I was meant to be. The time we can give patients and our holistic approach, looking at the whole person, is what I love most about being part of the Hospice team. It really is a special place to work.”