In September, we were delighted to present Bev Cornes with an award for twenty years of service to the hospice.

Bev started her career as a Healthcare Assistant on the inpatient unit.  Bev recalled how the job appealed to her as one of her friend’s parents had been cared for at the old building and she remembers how the staff at the time had supported this patient to attend a family wedding.

During the pandemic, Bev’s career developed as she completed a Registered Nurse Associate apprenticeship with Chester University.  The course was full on with only 6 weeks break each year with a combination of remote and in-person study as well as hands-on care.  However, Bev’s determination and passion for caring helped her through.

"The apprenticeship changed me in a good way.  It made me more confident and able to take on a new role due to the knowledge, experience, and level of understanding I gained over the two years. I have always loved my job and really wanted to continue learning to better myself."

Bev’s current role involves providing support to patients and relatives as well as making sure patients have the correct medication when they come onto the ward and when they are discharged home. 

During her time at the hospice, Bev has seen the positive impact it has across the Warrington community.  Although it can be a challenging place to work sometimes, there are positive changes all the time to the policy of care as well as many clinical changes with more interventions.

“St. Rocco’s is a safe place for patients and their families with the teams and services we have available, including great therapists, and I feel very lucky to work here. There is emotional and psychological support available across inpatient care and with the virtual ward. The care we provide is becoming more complex in response to the complex needs of patients.”

Bev was presented with her award by Sonya (Chief Executive Officer), which was very apt as Sonya taught Bev for a year at the University during her studies, before she joined the hospice.

Reflecting on her time with St Rocco’s, Bev said that she feels blessed to be able to help patients and their families and feels this helps lessen the burden on them.  The team she works with really look after each other every day.  She has made lifelong friends and is so grateful for the faith everyone had in her to complete her apprenticeship and progress into her new role.

Thank you, Bev, for being a shining star at St. Rocco's Hospice.