Yvette’s  32 year Journey in Ardgowan Hospice

What brought me to the Hospice many years ago was when my friend Alison expressed that I would enjoy working in palliative care. If I’m honest, I had mixed feelings about caring for patients who were dying. I started in the IPU as a HCA doing bank shifts, and my fears were quickly put aside as I realised what a privilege it was to be alongside patients and their families at the end of life’s journey. Supporting them during such an important time was, and continues to be, a true gift.

After a short time, I left the Hospice for nine months when I was offered a permanent position with the District Nursing Team in North Ayrshire. At that time, there were no permanent posts available at the Hospice. Even so, I continued to work bank shifts at weekends because it soon became clear that the Hospice was where my heart truly belonged. I was delighted when a permanent position became available, and I was able to return.

I continued working in the inpatient unit (IPU) for around five years before an opportunity arose to join Day Services. I became heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the service, supporting patients through a wide variety of activities. We organised trips and even weekends away to places such as the Lake District and Oban. I was also trained and passed the test to drive the 19-seater minibus, which allowed us to take patients on outings to Largs, Inveraray, Loch Lomond and even Christmas shopping trips.

It was such a special time. Seeing the joy on the faces of people who had rarely ventured beyond Inverclyde was incredibly rewarding. For many, these outings meant the world, and it truly felt as though all their Christmases had come at once.

During my time in Day Services, I had the opportunity to take part in a fundraising trek through the foothills of the Himalayas. With the incredible support of local businesses, friends and family, I raised almost £6,000 for the Hospice.

One of the most memorable moments of my career came before that trek. I asked our patients to create prayer flags, each decorated with beautiful messages and heartfelt wishes. I carried those flags with me and placed them on one of the mountains we climbed. It was an emotional experience, and I felt deeply honoured to fulfil something so meaningful on behalf of our patients. It remains one of the most treasured memories of my career.

Into the community

I worked in Day Services for 14 wonderful years before moving into the Community Team.

Working alongside the Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialists (ACNSs), I gained a wealth of new knowledge and skills. During this time, I completed my SVQ Level 3, COSCA Counselling Skills and Advanced Communication Skills training, all of which enhanced my role supporting patients and carers in their own homes.

Being able to visit people where they lived gave me the opportunity to understand their individual circumstances, recognise practical needs, and explore how best we could support them. Where appropriate, I was able to signpost patients and families to additional services. I also worked a number of Marie Curie night shifts, which proved invaluable. Many of the patients I supported in the community were later admitted to the Hospice for end-of-life care, and seeing a familiar face often helped make that transition a little easier.

Where I am now

Following changes within the Community Team, I joined the newly established Wellbeing Team, where I continue to work today and hope to remain until I retire in three years – 3 weeks after you, Janice Lee!

My role focuses on supporting palliative care patients and their carers, primarily within the community. I also provide one-to-one bereavement support, as well as individual wellbeing sessions for patients and carers attending Access. Alongside my colleagues, I help facilitate our Bereavement Group and our Men’s and Ladies’ Groups.

Learning new tricks

During my time in the Wellbeing Team, I have completed Trauma Training Levels 1, 2 and 3, as well as ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). As they say, you’re never too old to learn.

Looking back over the past 32 years, I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. There have certainly been challenges along the way, but I have always managed to come through them with a smile.

When I finally retire, what I will treasure most are the extraordinary people I have had the privilege to meet. Every patient, every family, every colleague and every friend has left a lasting imprint on my heart.

Working at Ardgowan Hospice has been far more than a career – it has been an honour, a privilege, and one of the greatest blessings of my life.