Sophie’s gift on Christmas Day is to be there for hospice patients and their families
NURSE ON DUTY TO PROVIDE SPECIALIST ADVICE AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
A TYPICAL British Christmas follows a certain pattern. Get woken up by the kids, open presents, maybe a cheeky buck’s fizz before Christmas dinner. But for some of our frontline workers, December 25 is just another day in the office.
Hospice nurse Sophie Peach is this year giving up Christmas with her family to care for those with life-limiting illnesses.
The 27-year-old is a specialist palliative care nurse who looks after patients who are living with a palliative or end-of-life condition, and their families, in their own homes. Sophie will be on hand to provide specialist advice as well as practical and emotional support to help patients manage complex symptoms during a difficult time.
Based in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, on Christmas Day, Sophie and her colleague Helen Harrison will be fielding calls to the hospice’s advice line between 9am and 5pm, offering a help to families in crisis.
Despite not being able to celebrate with her own family on Christmas Day, she said she is proud to be able support families on what could be their last Christmases together.
“Sadly, for a lot of our patients, this may be their last Christmas and I can’t possibly imagine how that must feel for them and their loved ones. For some families we support, Christmas is full of festivities, laughter and fun, but we see the other side, too, which always puts everything into perspective.
“Throughout the day I’ll experience the sadness and pain of people who just can’t get into the Christmas spirit because of what they’re going through. Sometimes it is simply about getting through the day, which is so important for us to acknowledge.
“I’m really proud that regardless of what time of year it is the hospice is still there for people going through the worst possible time.
“Whether it’s someone to cry to and let it all out, for advice on medication or even a Christmas Carol singalong down the phone – I will be there to support the families who need us in whatever way I can.”
Having worked for Ashgate Hospice for four years, this isn’t Sophie’s first Christmas Day spent caring for patients. She said being able to create special, everlasting memories for patients and their families is her favourite thing about being a nurse.
She said: “The last time I worked on Christmas Day was a couple of years ago; the team really pulled together, and we had a lovely day, and so did our patients. It felt special and festive, despite the situation that our patients were in.
“Christmas really makes you appreciate what you have, and I am privileged to witness patients celebrating and laughing with loved ones despite all their heartaches and issues. It is just a very emotional time, so it’s important that we do what we can to make sure people have something to hold on to and remember forever.”
Sophie will celebrate the festivities with her family on Boxing Day, but she admits she is more than happy to wait – after being inspired by someone she cared for.
Sophie said: “I have learnt from others that Christmas can be just as fabulous whatever time of year it is. My favourite memory was the lady who chose to bring hers forward and have it in September as she was so poorly.
“Her family pulled together and were so strong throughout and it was a special time and a privilege to be part of. We even managed to control her nausea and vomiting so that she managed a small amount of her Christmas dinner – this meant the world to her. “They made some fabulous memories and took some beautiful photos to cherish forever. I still think about her and how brave they all were to this day.”
The hospice is asking the community to support its winter appeal and help it to get through another difficult winter – ensuring the hospice, and nurses like Sophie, can continue to provide compassionate end-of-life care at a crucial time.
To support Ashgate Hospice’s winter appeal, go to https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/winterappeal.
I’m really proud that regardless of what time of year it is the hospice is still there for people.
Sophie Peach