Jenny’s 30 years of making someone’s day a bit better

‘It felt natural and rewarding’

“I loved looking after the patients and spending time with them – it felt natural, and I found it very rewarding.”

She even met King Charles – then the Prince of Wales – when he visited on a couple of occasions.

“I remember the patients were all really excited and Charles was very polite and nice. We were each allocated a patient to sit with as he came around to talk to them.”

Jenny was also one of the first health care assistants to pilot St Luke’s “hospice at home” service, going out to see patients in their own homes. The trial wasn’t continued at that time, but she’s watched with great interest as our community teams have developed over the years.

“I never stopped loving that job, but after about 15 years I got a little bit of burnout and felt I needed some time doing something else. The hospice has always been very good to me and for a year they let me spend half my time nursing and the other half working with the fundraising team,” she said.

“I realised that I enjoyed stepping away to do something different so when a post came up on reception I applied, and I have been there ever since. Working here, I believe you see the best in people. Coming through the door they can be at their lowest ebb and feeling very vulnerable. Sometimes you see their angry side, but I feel a deep understanding and empathy for them.

“I don’t have personal experience of terminal illness or lots of bereavement, but I do have empathy and I just want to help people and give something back. When someone comes to the reception desk, I want them to feel at ease. A lot of people tell me that they instantly feel relaxed, and that the hospice is a lovely environment. It is definitely not a sad place.”