I’ve been so humbled by the way our community has continued to support us
Ann-Marie Harvey works as a Nursing Assistant caring for local people on our wards. Here she shares an update with you.
“I’ve worked at St Catherine’s for over eighteen years. I’ve always worked on our wards, and the overriding thought that brings me to work for each shift is how I, as part of a team, am so privileged to help patients to face their journey, supporting them and all of their family.
I feel extremely humbled by all the support we receive from the local community, and this is the only reason we’re able to provide end of life care and support for the patients and families within our care
This year has seen so many changes for everyone
On the ward we changed our way of working almost overnight when COVID first hit. The hardest part of any of the changes for me was the limiting of visitors. At the hospice we’ve always had open visiting to allow all members of someone’s family to visit at any time. Having to restrict visitors was so hard, but of course, necessary to comply with government guidance.
As part of the care I offer, I’ve sat with patients and offered them a hand massage (unfortunately with gloves on now). This often is a time that patients relax and share how they’re really feeling. I feel so privileged when patients relax and share their most intimate thoughts and wishes with me
On the ward, we work really closely together, and we share so much emotion along the way, that our team becomes like a second family
During the past year especially, we’ve really relied on each other – supporting, picking each other up when needed, listening and hearing each other. I feel so lucky to work in such a special place, and I believe this year has brought us closer together in many ways, as we’ve worked to implement all the changes to our usual ways of working on the ward.
Most of our fundraising events have been cancelled over the last year, they’re postponed this year, and many of our hospice shops are still temporarily closed, but I’ve been so humbled by the way the community has continued to support us
The Christmas cards that the hospice had for sale last year were so beautiful, that although quite a few of my friends chose not to send cards, they still sought me out to make a donation to the hospice.
Every donation enables the amazing work to continue. No matter how small, every little helps.”
If you would like to make a donation to help Ann-Marie and her colleagues continue to provide care when it matters most please click here or call 01293 447361.
