Our Inpatient Ward:Treating the Person, not the Disease
News • Apr 08, 2021 12:38 BST
Operational Lead Chris Dyson talks about life on our Inpatient Ward at the hospice in Northfleet.
Operational Lead Chris Dyson talks about life on our Inpatient Ward at the hospice in Northfleet.
Seventy-four-year-old Sue Gray has spent her life looking after patients and their families – and the challenges of Covid have not deterred the retired nurse from reaching out to others. She lost her own husband to cancer 11 years ago, says: “Since lockdown I have been making about 14 calls every week, phoning people who would usually attend the bereavement group or the Carers Cuppa.”
Working in a hospice during a pandemic was a life-changing experience for trainee nurse Becky Saunders. Her experiences at ellenor were so profound that she pledged to take on a gruelling challenge to raise vital funds.
Dr Laura Holtham was working full time at the ellenor hospice in Northfleet during the height of the pandemic and is full of praise and optimism for hospices like ellenor - we are a Kent and Bexley-based charity providing care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
Building relationships within his community has been part of everyday life for Shaminder Singh Bedi since the age of 11. Life’s lessons and challenges coupled with his important work for Social Services make him perfect for his role as trustee for our charity.
With a focus on storytelling through photography, the 'Snapshot' project enabled our Wellbeing patients to document their experience of lockdown and provide a snapshot into their lives during this unusual time.
Twas the night before Christmas… well not quite, but we're just SO excited for Christmas Eve. This year we've got a special surprise planned for Christmas Eve and we've even had help from a few of Santa's little helpers! So keep your eyes peeled on Christmas Eve for a very special Christmas message from us and a few special guests! 🎄🎅
ITV Meridian and South East coverage of the new rendition for silent night in support of our hospice .
Gravesend rappers, GTown Talents have recorded their own special take on that Christmas classic “Silent Night” as the perfect Christmas gift, to help raise money for us.
Read the attached as to how we are offering our Living well services during these difficult times and see how to access our range of virtual living well services. Carols Fitzpatrick tells her story working here in the Living well team
2020 has been a tough year for us all. We know that Sir Mick’s message of support will mean so much to the families caring for children and adults.
Help us provide vital care to adults and children who need our support this Christmas. For those coping with a life limiting illness – this Christmas could be their last.
So often, those who volunteer with us have their own connections that have brought them to the charity – and they will often say, too, that they feel they gain as much from their work with us as they give. Here, Suzanne Wood tells her story.
For over six years, Sam Politt has been a Children’s Care Assistant at ellenor. Friends ask her how she copes with her challenging, sometimes emotional work – especially given that she’s got a nine-year-old daughter herself. She says, “My role is to look after children who, despite illness, are most often cheeky, smiley and bouncy – just like every child is.”
Florence’s journey started in January 2020 when she was diagnosed with Leukaemia (AML) as a family we were thrust into the world of a cancer diagnosis! We quickly learnt about blood counts, side effects and the gruelling chemotherapy treatment that Florence had to endure.
Bringing expertise from London hospitals direct to children in their own homes is an under-recognised service that forms the foundation of care provided by ellenor. Thanks to this partnership approach, many children under ellenor’s care in Kent can make fewer journeys and spend less time attending hospitals in London for their appointments.
There are times when a mother’s instinct really can be a lifesaver. As a mum of three, Carrie Wilson knew her baby daughter Grace was suffering from something way beyond the usual illnesses.
Families of children who have a life limiting or life-threatening condition will know, it’s a worrying and frightening time, but their journey is made a little easier thanks to our Children’s Palliative Care Team.
Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, that dedication is unwavering and the our team has adapted and pulled together as never before. Pivotal to the cohesion of the team is Lisa Ball, Staff Nurse in ellenor’s Inpatient Unit (IPU). Here, she reflects on the impact Covid-19 has had on the patients she cares for, their families and her team.
The Accumulator Challenge, in aid of ellenor, is back! From an initial investment of £50 and a four-month timescale, you will compete against teams from across Kent and Bexley to become the ellenor Accumulator Champion of 2020. We will give your company a crisp £50 note and four months to find ways of increasing it as much as you can.