You could play vital role

BECOME a St David’s Hospice Health Care Support Worker – “a fulfilling and rewarding job”

St David’s Hospice Health Care Support Workers (HCSW) play a vital role within our clinical team, underpinning the care our Staff Nurses and medical team provide.

There are currently 18 HCSWs at St David’s Hospice, based on the Inpatient Units at Llandudno and Holyhead, and also as part of the Hospice at Home team. Whilst working under the guidance of a healthcare professional, they provide hands-on personal care (including washing, dressing, feeding and toileting needs) and emotional support to patients and their families.

Lorraine Needham (pictured left) recently joined our Hospice at Home team as a HCSW after relocating from another hospice in Essex. She tells us about her role:

“Working in palliative care is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy being able to provide support to families in one of the hardest times of their lives, being there and listening to them.

“As a Hospice at Home HCSW, my role helps the patient to receive end of life care in their own home with their family, allowing them to have comfort and their familiar belongings around them.

“I have met many interesting, lovely people and I’m always interested in their lives before their illness.

“It can be emotionally hard when you get to know the families well, we are all human, but while I am with the family, I have learnt to put my emotions to one side and support them.

“Afterwards, I can talk about it with someone if needed.

“Being a Health Care Support Worker is a very fulfilling job.

“When I am there to help with the care and support, it gives the loved ones a chance to be the wife, husband, daughter, son, brother or sister – a family member, not a carer.

“I enjoy my job and wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

If you would like to find out more about Health Care Support Worker job opportunities or any other vacancies at the Hospice please go to: https:// stdavidshospice.org.uk/ about-us/job-vacancies/