Meet the Team: Becky

This year’s Hospice Care Week is focusing on the staff and volunteers who make hospice care what it is. To celebrate this, we’ve spoken to team members across the hospice about what their role includes and what hospice care means to them.

This time, we’re talking to Becky, a Healthcare Assistant who recently began her training to become a Nursing Associate.

Hello, my name is Becky…

What is your role at Barnsley Hospice?

I originally joined the hospice as a Healthcare Assistant, but I am so pleased to have been supported by the hospice to begin my training to become a Nursing Associate.

When did you start working here, and why did you join the team?

I started working at the hospice in October last year. I had experience from various care settings, including learning disabilities and autism. I felt like I could bring a lot of knowledge and experience to the existing team.

During my personal and professional life, I’ve been involved in hospices and it influenced me to apply for a position and give back the care I received and witnessed.

The hospice has also funded my training to become a Nursing Associate, which is great for my personal development and helps me to progress in my career and continue my commitment to the hospice and Inpatient Unit.

What does an average day look like for you?

We receive a handover before starting our shift which gives us the necessary information to provide the best possible care for our patients. I ensure that patient’s nutritional and hydration needs are met, report and liaise with nurses and doctors and ensure documentation is in place and updated regularly. An important part of my role is making sure that patients are comfortable and cared for. Throughout any shift, I am always there as a listening ear and a friendly face for our patients and those close to them. Sometimes it’s the little things like having a chat or recognising when someone might need some extra support that goes a long way.

Throughout my training to become a Nursing Associate, I attend university one day a week and spend another day on placement across various settings –  such as hospitals and children’s wards –  to learn new skills. Then, I’ll be back in the hospice for two shifts a week. It’s a new role for me within the hospice but an exciting opportunity to extend the current workforce and continue working in the hospice sector. 

What is your favourite part of working in hospice care?

It feels like I’m part of a large family, who all share the same goals. I love my job and I’m proud to say I work at Barnsley Hospice.

What inspires you at work?

I’m inspired by knowing I’m making a difference to patients and their friends and family. I always get to know our patients and find our what’s important to them so we can support them in the way that works for them. Hearing people’s stories is a huge privilege and it feels an honour to be a part of that. 

I love being in an amazing team. The support and guidance from other colleagues gives me the motivation to keep developing my skills and continue providing the best care to everyone who comes into the building.

What does hospice care mean to you?

Hospice care to me means patients receiving person-centred care surrounded by a team of professionals with different skills and knowledge. At the hospice, we always aim to ensure people having their needs and wishes met, no matter how big or small!

What do you think more people should know about hospice care?

The word ‘hospice’ doesn’t just mean end of life care. We also support people with things such as symptom and pain management from earlier in their diagnosis. This may mean# looking at alternative methods to manage symptoms or tweaking medications to enable people to continue with their daily lives. We are also here to provide support for their friends and family too!

We provide a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who comes through the door. We listen and we care!

Thank you, Becky. 

You can find out more about the care and support we provide on Our Services page. Stay tuned for our next Meet the Team feature.