A local GP has said she has a greater understanding of the specialist end of life and palliative care patients receive from Birmingham Hospice after shadowing our clinical teams.
Dr Irene Hernandez, from Greenridge Primary Care Centre in Billesley, wanted to learn more about hospice care and reached out to request a visit.
The doctor spent three days at the Erdington hospice site. Dr Hernandez met members of the Inpatient (IPU) Team and spoke with patients during the ward round.
She also went out with Clinical Nurse Specialists from the Community Team to visit those we support in their own homes.
“I hadn’t visited a hospice before, and I thought it would be a good idea to spend some time in one,” said the doctor.
“We have lots of patients receiving end of life care and I thought it would be a good experience.
“I hadn’t expected so much involvement from the multidisciplinary teams such as therapies and wellbeing; I didn’t realise the hospice had teams like this supporting patients as well.”
Dr Hernandez was also impressed by the person-centred support patients received.
“Before coming in I thought it would be more like a hospital where patients were in wards, so I was surprised that each person had their own room, which makes a big difference.
“Talking to patients they were happy because they felt cared for as a person.”
She added: “Everyone at the hospice has been very welcoming and the experience overall has been really positive.
“They really care about the patients and that’s what shines through in the conversations I have had. I believe it would be really useful for GPs to spend time in the hospice.”
On average each day, Birmingham Hospice cares for 670 patients across our hospice sites, in their homes and their communities.
Dr Nadia Khan, Birmingham Hospice Palliative Medical Consultant, said: “It has been wonderful to see a local GP take the initiative to visit the hospice and gain a deeper understanding of the care we provide.
“This insight will help shape more informed and confident conversations with patients and families about hospice care and what to expect.
“As a specialist palliative care team, we recognise that by supporting and upskilling our colleagues in general practice, we can improve the quality of care and support for many patients we may never meet directly.
“Education is a fundamental part of our role and an important way of extending the reach and impact of palliative care expertise.
If you’re a GP or a primary care colleague and would like to find out more about Birmingham Hospice, you can contact our Education and Research Team by emailing education@birminghamhospice.org.uk.
