Tag: Inpatient Unit

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A friendly face and listening ear on our Inpatient Unit

Brenda Donnelly behind the desk on the Inpatient Unit at Willow Wood Hospice

For Brenda Donnelly, volunteering at Willow Wood Hospice is about giving something back.

Brenda, who lives in Hollingworth, joined the Hospice as a Visitor Liaison Volunteer on the Inpatient Unit in September 2025.

After a 16-year career as a hotel receptionist, she was perfectly suited to a role that combines welcoming people, offering support and helping families feel at ease during difficult times.

The Hospice has long held a special place in Brenda’s heart. Her father received care at Willow Wood before he died 12 years ago, and she always hoped to volunteer when she retired.

Now volunteering three mornings a week, Brenda helps answer phone calls, takes messages for staff and supports visitors and families. Her role also allows nurses and support workers to focus on patient care, while ensuring visitors always have someone available to help.

A typical shift can involve anything from offering refreshments and explaining more about the Hospice, to guiding visitors to where they need to go. Just as importantly, Brenda is there to provide a listening ear.

“I think it’s important that our visitors know there is always somebody willing to sit down with them to listen when they need to talk to somebody other than family,” she said.

One of Brenda’s most memorable moments came on her very first shift, when she welcomed a family whose loved one had just been admitted to the Inpatient Unit while nursing staff settled the patient in.

Brenda believes empathy is one of the most important qualities needed for the role, alongside confidence when speaking with visitors and families and the ability to provide accurate information.

Her advice for anyone considering becoming a Visitor Liaison Volunteer is simple: “Just be yourself and willing to lend an ear.”

What Brenda enjoys most is the sense of teamwork on the Inpatient Unit.

“I love the team, how they all work together and how I was made to feel very welcome and part of that team from day one,” she said.

She also says one of the highlights of every shift is being greeted by Julie Acourt, our Inpatient Unit Administrator.

“I have learned so much from her – she is excellent at what she does.”

For Brenda, volunteering means the world. It is her way of thanking Willow Wood for the care her father and wider family received, while helping to support others going through similar experiences.

Her message to anyone thinking about volunteering at the Hospice?

“Just do it, you’ll love it.”

Has Brenda inspired you to become a Willow Wood Hospice volunteer? Check out our Volunteer Vacancies page to see the exciting opportunities we have available and how you can get involved. 

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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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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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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.

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New community partnership aims to enhance patient care

Willow Wood and GTD Healthcare have been working in partnership on an exciting 12-month pilot project, aimed at enhancing the delivery of palliative care at the Hospice.

The initiative, which began in February 2025, was developed from an idea of the Hospice’s Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham.

A passionate advocate for nursing, Nicola proposed trialling a new model of care that places a senior nurse with enhanced skills and non-medical prescribing (NMP) responsibilities alongside doctors on the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit.

Nicola said: “This collaboration builds on the success of our previous partnership in 2022, when GTD Healthcare supported our out-of-hours medical cover.

“We are excited to see how this new initiative enhances patient care and look forward to working closely with GTD Healthcare to develop further opportunities for partnership and service improvement.”

Recognising the value of this innovative idea and the challenges of implementing it, GTD Healthcare – a social enterprise that delivers GP practices, urgent care and community services across the North West – provided one of its experienced clinicians to support the pilot.

Claire Wilson, a Senior Clinical Practitioner and Specialist Palliative Care Nurse, has had a positive impact since February when she started working two days a week alongside the Hospice’s medical and nursing teams, delivering specialist palliative care within the Inpatient Unit.

Claire Wilson has been working on the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice since February 

Claire said: “This is such an exciting opportunity for me — it’s the first time I’ve worked in Tameside, but having worked in a hospice before, I know just how special and impactful they are.

“The team here have made me feel incredibly welcome. I see this as not just a learning opportunity for the whole team, but for me too. Ultimately, everything we do is about enhancing patient care, and I’m really proud to be part of this pilot.”

In addition, Margaret Hayes, Palliative Care Lead at GTD Healthcare, is also overseeing clinical supervision to the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit team on a monthly basis.

A full evaluation of the pilot will take place after six months but the early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Margaret commented: “This is a great opportunity for GTD Healthcare to work with our wider partners and show the wide range of knowledge and expertise that the organisation has. We are really looking forward to our ongoing work with Willow Wood and to see how the project progresses.”

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Businesses help transform Hospice’s Inpatient Lounge

The Inpatient Lounge at Willow Wood Hospice has been transformed thanks to the generous support of local and national businesses.

The room is a dedicated and comforting space for those who are visiting patients on the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne.

It has received a welcome uplift through a project led by Joanne Lees, the Hospice’s Partnership Development Lead, at no cost to Willow Wood.

Sofa supplier Sofology provided sofas and chairs, and their team cleared, cleaned, designed and painted the room on Monday 18th November.

Oak Furnitureland gifted new accompanying furniture – including a coffee table, dresser, lamp tables and a book case – which was delivered by Stephen and Balazs.

Kath and Sarah from Notcutts Garden Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, who are long-time supporters of the Hospice, made sure the room was complete by donating relaxing house plants.

VIDEO: Take a quick look around our Inpatient Lounge, without setting foot inside…

Joanne said: “We are incredibly grateful to Sofology, Oak Furniture Land and Notcutts, whose generosity has made the transformation of our Inpatient Lounge possible.

“Every well-used room needs a little TLC after a while and the support of our corporate partners really does make a huge difference especially when the Hospice is faced with a challenging financial situation.”

Gemma Hannan, manager of the Sofology store in Stockport, wanted to give something back to the Hospice, whose team provided compassionate care to three of her family members when they needed it most.

“Just after our daughter was born, my partner Warren’s mum Pauline found out she had throat cancer and was told she had three months to live,” Gemma explained.

“Her health really deteriorated and Willow Wood became the point of contact to look after her. I’ll never forget my first visit to the Hospice, which was very emotional, and the nurses made Pauline feel very comfortable.

“When we got the call to say she was near the end of her life, the nurses were fantastic – they made it so comfortable for Pauline and for us as a family. We couldn’t have asked for more. They made us laugh when we needed to laugh, they cried with us when we cried. It just felt like a community.

“My nanna Frances also had to come to the Hospice when she had cancer. The Hannan family is huge and it was the first time they visited Willow Wood. Under the circumstances, they felt so at home and the Willow Wood team were brilliant again. You couldn’t wish for a better place to look after your family member.

“My uncle Darren also passed away at the Hospice – I was there literally by his side which was really emotional. I cannot thank everyone at the Hospice enough for what they have done for my family.”

GALLERY: Check out some images before, during and after the refurb…

Sofology allow their staff two days a year to volunteer for a good cause and Gemma used one of hers to help out in our shop in Hyde, where she lives.

“I was a fashion retailer for 20 years before joining Sofology so I wanted to get stuck in and it really opened my eyes,” she said.

“The team were so welcoming and it’s really amazing what they do. I helped unpack clothes, label and rack them.”

Gemma has always wanted to help out at the Hospice too so, when the opportunity to give the Inpatient Lounge a glow-up arose, she jumped at the chance to join her Sofology colleagues.

“I know what it’s like to need to use the room so we wanted it to be warm and cosy so people can get respite from difficult moments.

“I was joined by our Warrington store manager Laura, James from our Maintenance team and Craig who is one of our Style Partners.

“We wanted to make it very comfortable and reflect the beauty of the Hospice gardens. When you’re going through a difficult day and you just want a breath of fresh air or a walk, the gardens are just beautiful.”

Willow Wood’s Clinical Director feels the newly-refurbished room can make a real difference to those closest to patients at the Hospice.

“Having a peaceful and welcoming space on our Inpatient Unit for those closest to our patients is invaluable,” said Nicola Cheetham.

“During undoubtedly difficult times in their lives, we hope they can find solace and share precious moments by using the facilities in our refreshed lounge.

“When our teams first saw the new-look lounge, they were blown away – it looks fantastic. We really appreciate the support of our corporate partners for making it happen and working so diligently whilst respecting the privacy of our patients.”