Discover the care and support we offer
We provide Hospice care & support to patients and their loved ones living in Kent and East Sussex. Learn more about how we can help you.
Contributing to a kind world
Michael, a Nursing Assistant at the Five Ashes Hospice, finds joy in his role and working with colleagues from different teams to make a real difference. “To be a nurse is a wonderful thing; it’s to be a part of the foundation of a pleasant, nice, and caring world. To know that no matter what state you are in, you can always find a refuge and solace in a nurse and what they do,” he shares.
“I really enjoy being a Nursing Assistant here at the Hospice. It’s a real privilege to work with these people in every capacity. The housekeeping staff are more than housekeeping staff; they’re friends to us and to the patients. The people who cook the food put their heart into every meal, which is lovely to see.
Support in the community
Lisa, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in our Hospice Outreach team, carries out her duties in the community. “As part of the Hospice Outreach team, we visit patients in their own homes. I really enjoy and find my role incredibly valuable, and it’s a privilege to be invited into people’s lives at this difficult time. It’s very rewarding,” she says.
“Being a nurse is a really important role, to help our patients and families live the best life they can in the situation that they are, by providing support and advice with pain and symptom management and also facilitating conversations within families to ensure that patients’ wishes are met at the end of their life.”
A holistic approach
Annette, a Nursing Assistant at the Hospice in Five Ashes, thrives in the environment, taking pride in a holistic and individualised approach to care and support. “Nursing in palliative care is so important, not just in the way that we care physically for our patients, but it’s how we support them, how we tailor our care and support to suit the individual. One size does not fit all. It’s geared towards that person and seeing the person as opposed to seeing the illness that they are living with,” she says.
“It’s really wonderful to be part of a team who are working together to make a difference to the patients, their families, and their friends. And in such a beautiful setting as well. It is an outstanding environment in Five Ashes, very different from anywhere else that I’ve been. It’s welcoming, it’s warm, it’s beautiful. The light, the atmosphere, and the nature around here are breathtaking, and of course, with the seasons, we notice it. It’s a tremendous work environment. Everyone who comes through these doors says what a beautiful place it is,” Annette concludes.
