Tag: Clinical

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A week in the life of a housekeeper at Willow Wood Hospice

Julie Hafford performing housekeeping duties at Willow Wood Hospice

Early starts, plenty of teamwork and countless acts of kindness – there’s much more to housekeeping at Willow Wood Hospice than meets the eye. Over the course of a week, Julie Hafford kept a diary of her daily duties, offering a glimpse into the important role the team plays in helping patients and families feel cared for, comfortable and supported.

If you’d asked me years ago what working in housekeeping at a hospice would be like, I don’t think I could ever have pictured this. Yes, I start early – I’m usually in by 7am – and of course there’s plenty of cleaning to be done. But there’s so much more to it than people might think.

My day often begins with the laundry, getting things washed, folded and ready to go. Other times I’ll be deep into cleaning one of the patient rooms on the Inpatient Unit, making sure everything is fresh, calm and comfortable. Those rooms really matter. They’re someone’s space at a very important time, and I take a lot of pride in making them feel just right.

Julie Hafford performing housekeeping duties
Julie folding bedding in the laundry room.

What surprises people is how much you’re part of the wider hospice life. I’m always stopping to say good morning, having a quick chat, or helping someone find where they need to go. Visitors are often a bit unsure when they arrive, and if I can put them at ease or point them in the right direction, that feels just as important as any cleaning job.

Some days I’ll be upstairs doing offices, kitchens and toilets, other days I’m working alongside my colleagues covering reception areas, family rooms and quiet spaces. We’re a small team, so we all help each other out. There’s always time for a cup of tea and a bit of laughter in between, which makes even the busiest days easier.

Then there are the moments you don’t expect at all. Sitting with someone for a few minutes because they need company. Walking a worried relative to a patient’s room. Keeping an eye out and noticing when someone might need a bit of extra support. That’s not written in any job description, but it’s just part of working here.

Julie Hafford performing housekeeping duties
Julie hoovering the family lounge on our Inpatient Unit.

By the end of the week I’ve cleaned everything from bedrooms and therapy rooms to stairways and shared spaces, but it’s the people that stay with me. The smiles, the thank-yous, the quiet conversations in the corridor.

It’s a physical job and those early starts can be hard, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Being part of this hospice means knowing that what I do helps create a safe, peaceful place for patients and families when they need it most. And that’s something I’m really proud of.

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A new partnership to help families preserve precious memories

Our patients and those closest to them now have a beautiful new way to preserve treasured memories, stories and voices for generations to come.

We’ve recently partnered with Featherbed Tales, an innovative digital storytelling platform that helps people create personalised digital photobooks complete with photographs, written memories and voice recordings.

Whether it’s sharing childhood stories, recording family traditions or simply leaving messages for loved ones, the platform enables people to create meaningful keepsakes that can be treasured and shared with family and friends anywhere in the world.

Available free of charge to Willow Wood Hospice’s patients and their families, as well as staff and volunteers, the platform is simple to use and allows you to:

  • Upload photographs and add personal captions
  • Record memories and messages in their own voice
  • Capture conversations with loved ones
  • Create a lasting digital keepsake that celebrates a lifetime of memories

The partnership offers another way for patients and families to connect, reflect and create something deeply personal during an important time in their lives.

Bethan Kinder, Family Support Team Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Creating memories and preserving stories can be incredibly important for patients and families. Having the opportunity to record someone’s voice, capture their personality and celebrate the moments that matter most can bring enormous comfort, both now and in the future. Featherbed Tales is a wonderful addition to the support we offer, giving families a simple and meaningful way to create something they can treasure forever.”

Our clinical team recently received training from Featherbed Tales to ensure they can confidently support patients and families in using the platform.

Caroline England, founder of Featherbed Tales, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Willow Wood Hospice to help patients and families preserve the moments, stories and voices that matter most. Every story is unique, and our aim is to make it easy for people to create lasting keepsakes that celebrate a life, strengthen family connections and provide comfort for years to come. We look forward to working alongside the Willow Wood team to support the vital care they provide.”

The partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to providing person-centred, holistic care that supports not only patients, but those closest to them, helping families create lasting memories that can be cherished for years to come.

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Finding comfort and compassion at Willow Wood in difficult times

Mark Oliver in the Hospice gardens

When Mark Oliver first walked through the doors of Willow Wood Hospice, it was during one of the most difficult times of his life.

His wife Adele had been diagnosed with lung cancer and, by the time it was discovered, the disease had already spread to her brain, spine and bones.

“We were told there was no treatment for her – it had gone too far,” Mark explained.

“We were looking for palliative care and was told about Willow Wood Hospice. Adele spent three days on the Inpatient Unit in the Hospice before she died on 27th March 2025 – she was 55 years old.”

‘I was really happy that her final days were spent here’

Mark, 53, from Denton, had been with Adele for 26 years and married for 20, raising two children – Daniel, 18, and Rosie, 14.

Mark described Adele as “funny and very loving” and recalled how her illness came as a shock to the family.

What initially seemed like sciatica later led to further complications and, after having a seizure, she went to hospital for scans and tests, which eventually led to her receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Having seen the Hospice’s fundraising events in the local media, Mark was already aware of Willow Wood. But when he arrived with Adele, he was moved by the care and atmosphere.

“Adele was in a room on her own and although she was only in there a short time, the level of care she received was brilliant. I know hospitals try their best but it’s very different here. I was really happy that her final days were spent here. The volunteers on Reception also get to know who you are, which makes you feel welcome.”

Following Adele’s death, Mark was offered bereavement counselling through our Family Support team and, after taking up the opportunity, found it helpful.

“I thought talking to someone would help so I took it up,” he said. “You probably need more help than you think you do and you want to speak to people outside the family. It was great. Obviously it doesn’t cure anything but it really helps you to look at things in a different perspective. I can honestly say it has helped.”

Mark and Adele on their wedding day
Mark and Adele on their wedding day.

‘Don’t be afraid’

Through his sessions, Mark found that the support he received not only helped him, but also gave him insight into how his children might be coping.

“You can get a bit wrapped up in how you feel and might not understand how other people might actually look at it. My thinking was to try to protect them but they are more resilient than I thought and they’ve made their own mind up about things. It’s difficult but, on the whole, we’re doing okay.”

Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead, commented: “It was a pleasure to work with Mark and his two children. Although I never got to meet Adele, I was able to learn about her love, light and personality through how she and Mark had been throughout their marriage and also in raising their children. It can be hard for parents to realise that there is support for them and to understand there is space for them too alongside their children being supported in the grief process, but once Mark did so, he was able to spend time exploring his feelings, needs and grief.”

Wanting to give back, Mark and his family asked for donations to Willow Wood instead of flowers at Adele’s funeral – raising £500 – and he wants to support the Hospice in the future too by getting involved in our fundraising walk with Rosie.

Although returning to Willow Wood for the first time after Adele’s death was hard, Mark shared words of encouragement for anyone else facing the same fears.

“I found it hard just walking through the door but to be honest you’re not going to be judged in any sort of way. It’s a very welcoming and safe environment. Just don’t be afraid – the staff here are brilliant and will help you.

“It’s important that people are aware of the services available at the Hospice. Obviously my main focus has been the kids but I can imagine if the kids were older, they would probably have struggled a lot more with everything so that’s when I think somewhere like Willow Wood will become invaluable.”

To find out more about Willow Wood Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 1100.

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A warm welcome for visitors when they need it most

When people arrive on the Inpatient Unit at Willow Wood Hospice, they can feel uncertain, emotional, and unsure of what to expect.

Being greeted by a friendly, reassuring face can make all the difference. That’s where the essential role of our Visitor Liaison Volunteers come in.

Hilary Platt, from Hyde, has been volunteering on the Inpatient Unit since November 2025, working once a week and combining it with her current job. Her role is simple, but incredibly meaningful.

As a Visitor Liaison Volunteer, Hilary is one of the first people patients and families meet when they come onto the unit.

Duties include being a friendly, familiar face; answering the phone, taking messages and directing enquiries to the appropriate hospice team; meeting and greeting visitors and guiding them to where they need to go; and replenishing refreshments in the family lounge.

The role does not involve using a computer, and no previous admin or medical experience is required.

Hilary has worked in a bank and other public-facing customer service roles, which helped her feel confident interacting with people – but she’s clear that formal experience isn’t essential.

“You don’t need to have any particular skills – you just need to be a people’s person and have discretion and empathy. Empathy is very important.”

Although Visitor Liaison Volunteers work independently at their own desk, they are never alone. Hilary is supported by Julie, our Clinical Administrator, as well as the wider Inpatient Unit team.

“You are well supported by Julie and the team who are amazing – they are just down the corridor or a phone call away. The team on the main reception are also very supportive, so you are not alone.”

Volunteers can choose from flexible shifts, either 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm, making it easier to fit volunteering around work, family or other commitments.

For Hilary, the role is also deeply personal. Having had both her mum and uncle cared for at Willow Wood, volunteering felt like a natural way to give something back.

“Most people have not been to a hospice before so it’s good to put people at ease. I know how that feels because my mum and uncle were both here.

“Since then, I’ve always wanted to do something like this as a way of giving back. I can give my time and hopefully make a difference to other people at what is a difficult time in their lives.”

She describes the role as varied, rewarding, and emotionally fulfilling.

“You feel like you are appreciated and your heart’s full of love that you’re doing something really, really special.”

Visitor Liaison Volunteers play a key role in sensing what families need – whether that’s practical help, a familiar face, or simply space.

“If you think a family member needs help, don’t be afraid to approach. But if you feel like they want to be on their own, it’s alright to leave them on their own.

“Sometimes just saying hello or being there as a familiar face can mean the world to someone.”

If you enjoy working with people, can offer kindness and empathy, and want to make a real difference, the Visitor Liaison Volunteer role could be perfect for you.

To find out more, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/vacancies/volunteer-vacancies/

Your time could help make someone’s hardest day just a little bit easier.

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A first glimpse into hospice care for student Nicole

The Temple Project is an initiative aimed at providing nursing students with valuable exposure to different health settings, including hospice care.

Through this project, students undertake one-day placements at Willow Wood Hospice, allowing them to observe and participate in the multidisciplinary approach to palliative care.

This hands-on experience is designed to enhance their understanding of holistic, patient-centred care in a real-world setting.

Willow Wood Hospice has been actively supporting the Temple Project by welcoming a select number of students for these placements. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the educational value and the compassionate environment at the Hospice.

The Hospice is committed to continuing its support for this initiative, aiming to inspire and educate future healthcare professionals in the field of palliative care.

Nicole Williams, a first-year Adult Nursing student at the University of Salford, recently completed her one-day placement at Willow Wood Hospice as part of the project. The experience exceeded her expectations and left a lasting impression.

Nicole, from Oldham, had never stepped inside a hospice before and understandably felt nervous.

Her only previous connection was through a friend whose mother had died at a different hospice. “I thought it would be a sad and heavy place,” she admitted. “But I was so wrong.”

From the moment she arrived, Nicole was struck by the calm, welcoming atmosphere and the warmth of the team.

Shadowing ward sister, Lauren, she took part in medication rounds, attended a doctors’ meeting, and observed the changing of a syringe driver – all under compassionate guidance. A workbook helped her explore the many services offered at Willow Wood, from patient support to The Sanctuary room.

What stood out most was the environment itself. “It’s so different from a hospital,” she reflected. “Every member of staff greeted me, the pace was calmer, and the care was deeply personal.”

She also noticed how the team interacted with patients and families: always speaking directly to them – even when a patient was unconscious – and keeping clinical paperwork unobtrusive to preserve a homely, respectful atmosphere.

Nicole’s understanding of hospice and palliative care transformed throughout the day. She learned the important distinction between palliative and end-of-life care and saw first-hand how hospices support quality of life, not just its end. “I used to think nothing could beat being at home at the end of life – but Willow Wood felt like home.”

Describing her day as awe-inspiring, serene, and stimulating, Nicole says the experience has sparked a strong interest in hospice care. “I’d love to return for a longer placement. It just felt right for me.”

To anyone who thinks hospices are just sad places, Nicole offers a different view: “It’s not a place of sadness – it’s a place of love, respect, and dignity.”

She’s already recommended Willow Wood to her peers – and will continue to do so. “Even if hospice care isn’t your chosen path, it’s an invaluable learning experience.”

Are you a student who is interested in a placement at Willow Wood Hospice? Find out more by clicking here.

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Healthcare Assistant building skills for compassionate care

Clinical Educator Rachael Grimwood has been supporting Ryan Rusholme, one of our dedicated Healthcare Assistants, as he works towards completing his Care Certificate.

The Care Certificate is a nationally recognised set of standards developed by Health Education England, Skills for Care, and Skills for Health, designed to equip health and social care workers with the essential knowledge and skills to provide safe, compassionate, and high-quality care.

“Since supporting Ryan with the Care Certificate, I’ve really enjoyed seeing his enthusiasm shine. Although new to care, he’s shown a genuine eagerness to learn and is already gaining confidence and demonstrating the skills needed to support our patients effectively — exactly what the Care Certificate is designed to achieve.” – Rachael Grimwood, Clinical Educator

“I’m new to care so I was keen to expand my knowledge of the sector, learn different ways of approaching personal care and add theory to practice, to better support our patients. I like to take in as much information as possible, keep up-to-date with innovative ways of providing care and see different perspectives. I’d like to thank Rachael for her support – it will be great to receive a recognised care qualification at the end of the process.” – Ryan Rusholme, Healthcare Assistant

Together, we’re wishing Ryan the very best of luck on this important step in his care journey!

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Head of Community Services recognised with award

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that our Head of Community Services, Callie Harrop, has won an award at this year’s Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards.
Callie was one of three shortlisted finalists in the Rising Star category and took home the accolade at last night’s ceremony, held at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum.
We’re also proud to be the only hospice to have been recognised with an award.
The awards are organised by the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, celebrating outstanding individuals and teams working across health, social care and community services across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester.
Since becoming our Head of Community Services in May 2024, Callie has led our Community Services teams to enhance patient pathways, streamline referrals and improve care coordination.
“I was overwhelmed, honoured and humbled to be recognised and receive this award,” Callie reflected. “It was a fantastic opportunity to hear all the wonderful things happening across Greater Manchester and I’m so proud to be recognised as a part of that.”
She was nominated for her award by our Clinical Director, Nicola Cheetham, who shared: “Callie is an exceptional leader whose commitment to compassionate care shines through and has made a real impact at Willow Wood. On behalf of everyone at the Hospice, huge congratulations to Callie – we’re all really proud of her fantastic achievement.”
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Meet Caroline – our new Dementia Team Lead

Hello, I’m Caroline, and I’m the new Dementia Team Lead here at Willow Wood Hospice.

I’ve been warmly welcomed into the Community Services team and I’m already really enjoying the role.

I’ve worked at Willow Wood for 13 years, most recently as a Sister on the Inpatient Unit. Before that, I was a District Nurse in Tameside, supporting patients in their own homes. I’ve previously had experience of dementia care working in a nursing home, before I trained to be a nurse. After I qualified, I trained at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and worked there for around two-and-a-half years.

All of those experiences combined have taught me how vital it is to truly see the person behind the dementia diagnosis and maintain their dignity at every stage. During my time as a Sister on our Inpatient Unit, I supported many patients with various types of dementia, and I’ve always recognised the importance of supporting their carers too.

I’ve always had a special interest in palliative care and felt ready for a new challenge—something where I could make a difference for people living with dementia and their families. The aim of the dementia services at Willow Wood Hospice is to give dementia patients and their carers a voice, ensure they are heard, and are treated with the dignity they deserve.

One of the highlights so far has been taking part in the Dementia Café. The first one I attended was a VE Day celebration, which was really special. You could see how much joy it brought to everyone there. The team of volunteers are fantastic—they organise different activities for each café, which not only helps stimulate the person living with dementia but also gives carers a space to connect, share, and build friendships. The sense of community and support is truly heartwarming.

In this role, we often visit patients in their own homes, taking the time to build rapport with both the patient and their carer. A big part of our work is Advance Care Planning—helping people make decisions for the future, while they are still able, based on their wishes. That can be something as simple as identifying their favourite music, which can bring comfort in moments of distress, or discussing where they would like to receive care in the later stages of their illness. It can also be ensuring symptoms are managed with optimal medication management.

We also coordinate with other services—liaising with GPs, signposting to the right support, and ensuring everything is in place, from pain management to physiotherapy, occupational therapy or home equipment.

I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Willow Wood Hospice team. It’s a beautiful place with a wonderful workforce. We all support one another and share the same goal—to make a real difference to the lives of those we care for.

Looking ahead, together with Wendy, our Assistant Practitioner, we are going to build on the strong foundations already in place for dementia care at Willow Wood and explore how we can develop the support we offer, whilst continuing to listen closely to the needs of our patients and their carers.

With one in two people in the UK expected to be affected by dementia in their lifetime—either by developing the condition themselves or caring for someone who does—the demand for specialist support will only increase. Here at Willow Wood, we’re committed to being there for as many people in Tameside and Glossop as we can. We have one chance to get it right.

Our Dementia Support services include our Dementia Carers Support Group which is unique in that while a carer attends a small therapy group, we provide activities and support for their loved one in the safe environment of the Hospice.

For more information about our services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk/dementia-support

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Patient fulfils childhood dream with Willow Wood’s support

A patient who was cared for at Willow Wood fulfilled a lifelong dream — with the help and support of the Hospice’s dedicated team.

Joanne Bradburn, from Glossop, was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2024 and was first referred to our Inpatient Unit in April 2025, to help manage her pain and support her ongoing care.

After a period in hospital, Joanne returned to the Hospice, where she received end-of-life care before she died in June, aged 45.

During her time at the Hospice, Joanne shared with our team that she had always dreamed of going on a barge trip — a wish inspired by fond childhood memories.

“I’ve always wanted to go on a barge trip since I was young,” she said. “I used to love watching Rosie and Jim on TV – me and my brother were obsessed with it.

“After my diagnosis, I came up with a bit of a bucket list and one of the things on it was to do a barge trip with my family because none of us had ever been on one.”

Joanne’s family had originally booked two barges that could accommodate 19 people, but as her health declined and she lost her mobility, the plan felt increasingly out of reach.

“My brother Wesley found two barges which held 19 of us which was booked a while ago. But as time has gone on, my condition has got progressively worse and I cannot walk anymore. I’m not mobile so I’m restricted to a wheelchair.

“We were all thinking it was too much and we’re not going to be able to do it.”

That’s when Nicola, one of Willow Wood’s Specialist Occupational Therapists, stepped in. Hearing about Joanne’s dream, she suggested a more accessible option closer to the Hospice – ensuring there was access on and off the boat, safe transport to the barge, and that Joanne’s needs could be met whilst she was on the boat.

“Nicola gave us lots of information about ‘Still Waters’ – a trip boat operated by Tameside Canal Boat Trust at Portland Basin in Ashton-under-Lyne, because otherwise we wouldn’t have known about it.

“The barge had an accessible lift and toilet.  To transport Joanne from the Hospice to Portland Basin, she needed her wheelchair to be clamped down in the taxi. We used Hyde Accessible Transport, which we highly recommend.

“My sister Hayleigh contacted them and they accommodated us straight away. It was a shorter barge trip which worked better for me – about two-and-a-half hours up and down Droylsden Canal.

“My whole family came along on the first Bank Holiday Monday in May. There were 19 of us – including my partner Bill, my parents, my two brothers, my two sisters and their children.

“We all managed to get on a very traditional narrow boat. We had an amazing time and the weather was beautiful. The children loved it, they were able to feed the birds too. It really was a dream come true for me.”

Joanne with her family on the barge
Joanne with her family on the barge.

Joanne had other items on her bucket list – including attending her sister Hayleigh’s wedding in Halifax in August.

“I’d love to have a ride in a hot air balloon but my family were a bit sceptical on that one. I think I’d be a bit nervous about that as well but I would like to do a bit more of a daredevil kind of activity – perhaps with my partner.”

Joanne was extremely grateful for the care she has received at Willow Wood, which she described as ‘11 out of 10’.

She said: “I cannot fault it. I’ve been really looked after, in every aspect I could possibly wish – it’s been second to none. The team have been so compassionate – you can see they genuinely care about my wellbeing and make sure that I am okay.

“The surroundings are just perfect. I love the gardens where I’ve spent a lot of time. It’s great that the rooms back onto the gardens. I was able to experience the Flower Festival here too which was lovely – I managed to take part in some of the raffles and tombolas and won a lovely bottle of perfume. It was like a bit of normality.

“My family have been able to visit me regularly as well at any time they like, which has been another good thing. They have said they have enjoyed coming and how beautiful it is. It’s not a scary place to come to.”

Before coming to Willow Wood, Joanne didn’t know about the services we provide — or the scale of funding needed to keep the Hospice running.

“I did not know anything about it before but it’s a place I’ll be shouting about now and I want to do some charity events to help towards fundraising because it’s a lot of money to run the place.”

It costs at least £3.6 million every year for Willow Wood Hospice to continue providing our vital services to deliver compassionate care to patients from Tameside and Glossop with a life-limiting illness.

With only around 24 per cent of that total coming from the Government, the Hospice relies on the generosity of the community by making donations; organising or supporting fundraising events; donating or buying goods to its charity shops; leaving gifts in Wills; joining the weekly lottery or volunteering.

To find out more about the care we offer and how you can help, visit www.willowwood.org.uk/together-we-care or call 0161 330 1100.