A trainee nurse has hailed the positive impact of Birmingham Hospice after a placement which changed her perception of end of life care.
Third-year student Melesia Easie is set to start her nursing career after she completes her training with Birmingham City University and recently finished a nine-week placement on our Inpatient Unit (IPU).
Before starting the placement, she knew little about hospices and palliative care in general but, after seeing our highly skilled IPU Team in action and interacting with colleagues, she now appreciates our compassionate, positive, and patient-centred approach.
She said: “I must admit when I first learned I would be having a placement at a hospice I felt very sad because of the negative perception around hospice care.
“But it’s not all doom and gloom, it’s the opposite and my perception of hospice care has completely changed.”
As soon as she walked into IPU, Mel was impressed by the team’s caring attitude and how they would meet patients’ needs. She particularly loved interacting with those under our care and their families.
Among the high points were our beautifully kept gardens, where patients could sit outside, and the kitchen taking meal requests from patients.
“I thought because the hospice provided palliative and end of life care patients would just be in bed, but I was amazed that some were up and walking about and talking,” said Mel.
“I loved how the team went out of their way to care for patients. I felt like it was a really caring environment.”
During her placement, Mel gained vital experience and built confidence in communication and administering medicines.
She also learned about other services we provide, such as the Personal Health Budget (PHB) Team, and even volunteered her services to do patients’ hair.
Whatever the future holds, she has been inspired to carry on the patient-orientated care she witnessed at the hospice and would consider a career in palliative care in the future.
“I would absolutely recommend working for Birmingham Hospice, because it’s a consistently positive place which strives to ensure people have the dignity they deserve,” she concluded.
Each year, Birmingham Hospice ensures people at the end of their lives or living with terminal conditions across Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Sandwell receive the dignity and care they deserve, but we need your support to help us continue our work. If you’d like to get involved by making a donation, fundraising or volunteering learn more here.
