New director brings wealth of experience
TAKING over as new medical director at East Cheshire Hospice might seem like a daunting task with the health care sector under so much scrutiny.
But Dr Debbie Alexander has vast experience in a hospice environment and the field of medicine, and is fully prepared for the challenge ahead.
The mum-of-two trained as a GP locally before joining East Cheshire Hospice almost 11 years ago and also has experience at St Luke’s Hospice in Winsford, a background that makes her well qualified to further develop the provision of palliative care services.
She said: “Hospice care has changed over the last few years. Although much of our work is caring for patients who are nearing the end of their lives, we are now seeing more patients earlier on in their illness.
“We also look after patients with nonmalignant disease, such as end-stage heart failure or motor neurone disease.”
Dr Alexander was given a glowing reference by predecessor, Dr Trevor Rimmer, before he retired in May.
He acknowledged that the share of responsibility under the new set-up would be ‘an upgrade and step forward.’
As part of that change, Dr Leslie Allsopp and Dr Kathryn Gaunt assumed his consultancy duties for East Cheshire Trust.
The pair also work alongside the medical team to provide specialist palliative care clinical support at the hospice.
Dr Alexander said: “It is vital that we work together with our community and hospital colleagues to respond quickly and efficiently to meet patient needs. Often our patients will have very complex problems and we aim to alleviate their symptoms to enable them to get back home again.”
A priority is further education around end-of-life issues.
She said: “There are a number of patients who have life-limiting illnesses in the community and part of our role at the hospice is to educate patients, families and other health care professionals about the best way to care for those people approaching the end of their lives.
“I enjoy working in palliative care and appreciate being able to spend time with patients and their families.
“To some people, coming to a hospice may be frightening especially if they don’t quite understand what we do. Patients may be anxious or uncomfortable with pain and we can improve how they’re feeling and make a difference to their quality of life.
“For me, that’s one of the biggest areas of job satisfaction. We’re very much patient focussed and want to work with each patient and understand their wishes.”
Dr Alexander enjoys working alongside a team of nurses, other health professionals and volunteers who share her passion for palliative care.
She said: “We have time to sit down and explain what’s happening and what we’re doing, and that’s rewarding.
“It’s a great place to work and I appreciate that without the marvellous support of the community, which funds a staggering 83 per cent of our running costs, we wouldn’t be here to provide this muchneeded service.”