Thinking about a career move into palliative care?

St Christopher’s – a centre of innovation and excellence in hospice care – is hosting Discover Hospice Care Taster Day on Friday 20 May in Sydenham, London. This free, immersive, information-packed day is designed for nurses and care professionals considering a career in palliative and end of life care.

During the day, attendees will hear more about the fundamental principles and practices of palliative and end of life care, in addition to learning about the latest developments and the extensive education and training offered at St Christopher’s to all of its staff.

Participants will also be able to join skills workshops and see how different therapies are employed at St Christopher’s, including acupuncture and Namaste Care.

There will be a chance to find out first-hand what it’s really like to work at a hospice by meeting nurses in a ‘speed-dating’ style event, before enjoying a tour of the facilities and a free lunch!

Patrick O’Shea, Deputy Ward Manager at St Christopher’s, has been with St Christopher’s for just over a year. He said: “I adore my job. I came into nursing because I wanted to make a difference in peoples’ lives and provide excellent care. I just didn’t have the time to do that in the bigger hospitals where I’ve worked. Here, I have the time to connect and build great rapport and relationships with my patients and their families and give them the care they need and deserve.”

“It is an incredible job. You get the opportunity to share such special moments with individuals, but you’re also able to create those times that matter most for the patients and their families. There are occasions when you’re having a tough day, just like any other job. But the team here is amazing; we recognise when a colleague has difficulties, and we support each other to get through it. I’m doing what I love, and now I have a better work life balance too.”

St Christopher’s Hospice was founded in 1967 by Dame Cicely Saunders, and with it the modern hospice movement began.

As a result of Dame Cicely’s contribution and innovation, a holistic approach was taken to alleviating the suffering of anyone living with a terminal or life-limiting condition.

Hospices began caring for a patient’s physical, spiritual and psychological wellbeing, and this marked a new beginning not only for the care of the dying, but for the practice of medicine as a whole.

St Christopher’s has been a centre of innovation and insight ever since, and with the opening of the new Learning Hub, it continues to lead the way in palliative care.

If you’re a nurse or care professional looking for a new career or want to update your skills in end of life care, book your free place www.stchristophers.org.uk

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About St Christopher’s Hospice

www.stchristophers.org.uk

• We were founded by Dame Cicely Saunders, who started the global hospice movement with the opening of St Christopher’s in 1967.
• We are a charity, and we provide care and services free of charge. Though we are partially funded by the NHS, the majority of our running costs are very generously met by public donations. Each year, we need to raise at least £15million.
• Our vision is of a world in which all dying people and those close to them have access to care and support, whenever and wherever they need it.
• Our goal is to help people live well until they die, and support those affected by the loss of a friend or relative. We know that each person is unique and we tailor our care to meet social, emotional and spiritual needs, as well as manage physical symptoms.
• We strongly believe that everyone should have access to the best care at the end of their lives and through a blend of expert practice, education and research we work with people across the world to improve and develop hospice care.
• We usually have over 1,300 people under our care at any one time, and last year we provided care and support to over 5,000 patients and 2,000 families and carers across South London, both at home, out in the community and in the hospice.
• We have over 500 dedicated staff and over 1,000 amazing volunteers.
• You can support the hospice by donating, volunteering or shopping at one of our 26 local high street shops.
• You can find our website by searching “stchristophers.org.uk” online, and we are also on social media – search @StChrisHospice on Twitter and Instagram.