Our end-of-life champions are coming up with fantastic ways to improve patient care - and are sharing their experiences on what it means to be a in the role.  

Developmental Clinical Nurse Specialist, Jennifer Iveson, said: “For Ward 10, our change in practice included setting up posters and supplying informal education of SPICT (Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool) to raise awareness and aid in recognition of those who had supportive palliative care needs.

“We also created an end-of-life section within our cupboard with the equipment needed to support patients, and their families, during their hospital stay. This included wash bags, car parking slips, marigold bags, a Qur’an cube and the equipment needed to care for the patient after death. This helps our colleagues find items quickly and allows us to monitor stock supplies.”

Jennifer also described the impact of the champions course on her nursing practice and what she gained from being a champion:

“It allowed me to network with like-minded professionals who were passionate about improving end-of-life care within the trust. It was amazing to see all the changes that others had brought into their place of practice and how this impacted on patients and family's experiences.

“I am proud to be an End-of-Life Champion. We only have one chance to get it right when it comes to death and dying. Having these champions within the Trust reminds us that we all have a role to play. It is everybody’s business.”

Our thanks go out to all the champions that are striving to make a difference and improving patient care throughout the Trust. If you are interested in becoming a champion, you can find out more information here.