Rev. Eddy Inglis - Chaplain

As a counsellor at a secondary school and a minister with his own church, Reverend Eddy Inglis deals with bereavement on a regular basis.

However, in his newly-appointed role as chaplain of Willow Wood, some might believe death is a topic never far from his mind. But that isn't the case.

Before I came here, I'd heard people say Willow Wood is a place for living, not dying. And it's true. I'm constantly surprised by the number of people who come here for palliative care and leave again.

There are, of course, days when death is unavoidable. "You get very close to patients in a short space of time. Some want to talk about their lives, others about their fears. I get to know what's important there and then. Today I came in work to discover someone I was building up a relationship with had passed away and it's terribly upsetting."

Reverend Inglis, together with his fellow chaplains, is looking ahead to the future and how he can help the patients and their families further. He said: "The most important thing we're looking to do is to make the prayer room more inviting, at the moment it is a little bit sombre. We want to personalise care a little more. For some who aren't religious, they just want someone to talk to. Others however, would like more recognised services, things like communal services. These things do happen but not on a regular basis."

Yvonne Kelley - Housekeeper

As soon as you set foot inside Willow Wood Hospice it sparkles. With its welcoming Reception area, a plush Dining Room and its warm decor - you immediately feel at home.

But it takes time and effort to keep the Hospice looking its best, which is where Yvonne Kelley and the housekeeping team come in. As Housekeeper, Yvonne is responsible for cleaning Willow Wood "top to bottom".

"It's a very varied role. We make sure the Hospice is clean and the bedrooms are up to standard, but we also make sure the fridge in the kitchen, for example, is at the correct temperature, as well as ordering all of the stock, chemicals and cleaning products"

Unlike some of the jobs at the Hospice, Yvonne says hers involves quite a regimented day. "We start in Reception and work our way through to the other rooms. If you're on a 7am-3pm shift, the other housekeeper will come in on the next shift to finish the cleaning. It then starts all over again the next day".

As well as carrying out a thorough clean of the Hospice each day, curtains and carpets are cleaned four times a year to make sure everything is kept looking clean and up-to-date. "When I applied for a job here I wanted to meet new people, and that's exactly what I've done. The staff and patients here make the Hospice what it is, a lovely place to work".

Dr. Ian MacLellan-Smith - Medical Director (Retired)

Death is a difficult subject; it's difficult for the patients and it's difficult for their friends and family, but that's why Willow Wood is here - to help. Its team of health professionals is dedicated to providing care for those suffering from a life-threatening and life-limiting condition. The need for this kind of care continues to grow at an alarming rate. Former Hospice Medical Director Dr. Ian MacLellan-Smith took time out of his busy schedule to try and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

Is there such a thing as a typical day?

I normally start work about 8:30am and we'll have an admissions meeting about our in-patient unit where patients need to come in for all kinds of reasons. Perhaps for symptom control or pain management, or they may have had a crisis the day before at A&E and it's inappropriate for them to stay there - the hospital will then liaise with the Hospice and admit them here.

In our Out-Patient clinic we see patients who have got quite complex issues and that requires time to go through to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Have there been any recent developments at the Hospice and what are the plans for the future?

Our Out-Patient Clinic is relatively new and provides palliative care assessment and advice to patients who are living with cancer or who have limited life expectancy. This includes a range of clinics, which are provided on an out-patient basis to support specific needs of the patient and family and/or carer - both physically and psychologically.

We have a dedicated 24-hour helpline for professional health carers who require more information on palliative care. We have also opened Lymphoedema & Blood Transfusion Clinics at the Hospice. We want to continue strong links with the PCT, Tameside and Glossop Acute Trust Hospital and the community.

Can you describe the Day Hospice and In-Patient care the Hospice provides?

Our In-Patient Unit consists of eight single en-suite bedrooms, and two double rooms. Referrals to the In-Patient Unit are for symptom management, care in the terminal stage of illness and occasional respite care. Patients are usually admitted for a two-week stay, during which time they are assessed on a daily basis. In-patients have access to hydrotherapy and physiotherapy, and a range of complementary therapies.

The Day Hospice has up to 15 places each day and patients are invited to attend for 12 weeks - once or twice a week, depending on their individual needs.

What do you enjoy about your job?

Working with like-minded colleagues - there's a huge support network, for both patients and staff. Of course there is an emotional part to what I do but helping patients gives me a spiritual uplift. I get immense satisfaction out of my job.

Bernice Etchells - Head Cook

Bernice Etchells cooks up a treat not only for the patients and their families but for the staff too!

As Head Cook, Bernice has become well-known for her wide selection of mouth-watering dishes in the subsidised Dining Room since she joined the restaurant in July 1999. Bernice, who simply says she "just loves cooking for people", creates a different well thought-out menu on a daily basis.

"It's very varied day to day, as we get patients with different dietary requirements, which we need to take into account, such as their appetite, swallowing difficulties and medication", added Bernice.

Although Bernice aims to keep the menu varied she says there's always "something with gravy" and a choice for those who require a liquidised diet. "The most popular meal options tend to be the mince and dumplings, which always goes down well. And of course mashed potato - we took it off the menu one time and people were very disappointed, so there's always a mashed potato option now!"

As well as making sure the kitchen is ticking along as it should be, Bernice sometimes gets the challenging task of catering for large parties, such as a birthday celebration, for which the kitchen staff are only too happy to make a delicious birthday cake. Bernice and her team have also put on an impressive spread for a wedding before now!

Nothing is ever too much trouble for Bernice and her friendly team.

The restaurant is open for breakfast from 8am-10am, lunch from 12pm-2pm and dinner from 4.30pm-6pm.

Peter Wood - Company Secretary

With both my mother and my sister dying from cancer, the idea of a Hospice for Tameside and Glossop gave me the opportunity to repay the loving care and kindness they had received in their closing years.

As a retired MD and qualified accountant I was welcomed with open arms. We formed a steering group, and subsequently a limited company; I became Company Secretary and Director - a post I have held for more than ten years.

I make no excuses for my reputation as the "Scrooge" of Willow Wood. I believe that if someone runs a marathon they do not do it to provide us with a state of the art computer or other admin goodies. If it is for direct patient care I am OK, if not I need to be convinced as to the relevant benefit to our overall plan.

I try to lead from the front, and take an active part in many of our fundraising activities. I have run four marathons, jumped out of an aeroplane and walked on red hot coals, resulting in several thousand pounds of much needed funds.

Despite the nature of our work Willow Wood is a happy place to be. I am here most days and never fail to be impressed by the dedication and loving care given by our nursing and support staff. Nobody wants to come to Willow Wood - you don't choose, you are chosen. If you are chosen you could not come to a better place. I am proud and honoured to be part of such a wonderful undertaking.

Medical Secretaries

Medical Secretaries Christine Oldham and Lindsey Andrews are key players in the day-to-day running of the Hospice. As Medical Secretaries, they give administrative and secretarial support to the doctors and nurses at Willow Wood.

They share fantastic people skills for dealing with patients and relatives in a tactful and sympathetic way. They also boast a good understanding of all the medical terminology, and are the first point of contact for all referrals. They deal with patients, their families and medical staff on a day-to-day basis.

This medical team is smart, compassionate and know how to get the work done properly.

Kathleen Parker, one of our previous Medical Secretaries (shown left with Christine Oldham and Aileen Whitehead), sums up the job: "A lot of the calls we get can be quite distressing and require a certain amount of empathy. It's a very varied role. Despite what some people think, it's actually a lovely place to work. The Hospice has a very pleasant atmosphere, which a lot of people do not expect in a Hospice. Our department, like the rest of the Hospice, is full of life and laughter."

Hazel Carsberg - Cashier

AKA "Miss Moneybags"

"In my job, you get to see the nice side of people" - so says Cashier, Hazel Carsberg, who initially joined the Hospice as a volunteer in 1999 and went on to become a part-time Cashier.

"I deal with all the donations sent to the Hospice in memory of someone, or general donations, such as money raised from a charity bike ride".

Hazel said all the donations they receive make a difference - no matter how big or small. And she says she is often touched by the youngsters in the area who have spent time and effort raising money for the Hospice, such as baking and selling cakes at a table top sale.

The money Hazel collects is poured back into the running of the Hospice.

Sister Collette

Sister Colette is a regular face around the Hospice.

She provides comfort and support to patients at Willow Wood, and, more importantly, offers a listening ear.

"It is a privilege to be part of Willow Wood Hospice," said Sister Colette. "People often come here with a fear of Hospices - I try and eradicate that fear. Willow Wood is a place of happiness and peace".

Sister Colette normally visits the Hospice on Tuesdays and Fridays, or whenever she is needed.