“We always do the best we can for patients in the kitchen”

This year’s national Hospice Care Week (9-16 October) is designed to help show the many faces of hospice care. Here at Barnsley Hospice we’re sharing the stories of just some of the wonderful people who help our patients and their families, in many different ways.

Today, we’re introducing…

Yvonne Platts, assistant cook

 Yvonne has been cooking up meals in the hospice kitchen for 14 years, since her sister, who worked as part of the housekeeping team, recommended the charity. 

“I didn’t know anything about the hospice before I started here and just thought it was a place people went to die. But it’s so much more than that. Food means a lot to patients and meals are part of their routine. It’s not just the patients we cook and bake for either; family members are also able to eat with their loved ones, and we happily provide jacket potatoes or soup for them.

Every day we go and see patients individually to ask what they would like for their meals for the day, and they can have anything they want. If we don’t have it in, we can usually get it. I really enjoy getting to know the patients and their families and we chat about everything, not just what they want to eat.

I’ve worked on Christmas Day a few times and it’s always lovely. We cook a big Christmas dinner for patients and their visitors and everyone eats together.

The patients are the best part of my job and we always do the best we can for them in the kitchen. I love what I do as I feel like I’m giving something back to the community and helping people during difficult times.”

What is your favourite memory of your time at Barnsley Hospice?

“A few years ago, we had a patient in and it was her birthday. Her family were coming to visit that afternoon and I was asked to prepare a buffet at short notice. The family were so grateful, as they were able to enjoy a buffet together on her last birthday. It’s small things like that, which make a difference.”

What one thing would you like people to know about Barnsley Hospice? 

“That it’s more like a five-star hotel!”