Name: Tracy Griffin

Job Role: Clinical Lead Inpatient Unit

Background:

I started at the hospice 30 years ago as a Staff Nurse on the inpatient ward.  This was the hospice in Orford which was the old vicarage, and we had 9 beds at the time and a Day Unit.  We then moved over to the new build in Bewsey, which was very exciting.

Over my time at the hospice, I have had many opportunities.  I started my career progression beginning with Junior Ward Sister, progressing to Inpatient Ward Manager.  As the hospice developed, I worked alongside another colleague to develop the Hospice at Home Service. I then stayed in this role as Hospice at Home Co Ordinator.

As senior nurses’ roles changed within the hospice due to retirement, I took under my belt managing the Outreach Services and the Vitality Centre, alongside the Counselling Services, Complementary Therapies and Allied Health Professionals (Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy).  At this time, I also became the Registered Manager for the hospice.

I worked alongside our community colleagues to implement the Warrington Integrated Palliative Care Hub at the start of COVID and, with the new hospice management team, we also implemented the start of the Palliative Virtual Ward.

I have now gone full circle and am currently the Inpatient Ward Clinical Lead.

How many years have you worked at St. Rocco’s?

I have been worked at St. Rocco's for 30 years.

What made you want to work at St. Rocco’s?

During my training in Manchester, I nursed many palliative patients and had placements at St Anne’s Hospice in Manchester.  I just felt at ease there and I was inspired at the care they gave to patients and carers at such a difficult time in people’s lives.  When a job was advertised at the hospice, it was an opportunity not to miss as a position for staff nurses rarely came up.  I applied and got the job!

The staff I have worked alongside over the years have been amazing.  I have learnt such a lot and it’s a privilege to have been part of the journey of so many patients and families over the years.  

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself

I got engaged in the old hospice car park in Orford after a shift!

Name:  Sylvie Cooke

Job Role: Quality Lead & Clinical  Nurse Educator

Background:

I qualified as a nurse in 1981 and for the next 10 years I pursued a career in orthopaedic nursing, mainly in the South of England.

I’ve held a variety of roles at the hospice including staff nurse, ward sister, clinical educator, clinical nurse specialist and clinical lead for the Inpatient unit. The hospice has supported me to study for a degree in palliative care and a post graduate certificate in advanced practice which included my prescribing qualification.

How many years have you worked at St. Rocco’s?

A long time! 26 years plus one year as a bank nurse.  

What made you want to work at St. Rocco’s?

I developed an interest in palliative care after visiting a hospice as a student nurse and I also worked closely with the local hospice when I was a hospital ward sister. Moving to Warrington gave me the opportunity to work at St. Rocco’s.

Palliative care is  practised in hospitals and in the community but the hospice remains a very special and unique place. There is a calm atmosphere in the hospice which is helped by the beautiful gardens and outside space - this is so enjoyed by patients and their families. Our specialist team work closely together to meet the needs of our patients and their families whether they are based in the community or at the hospice. As our hospitals get busier with huge pressure on beds, ensuring the future of the hospice for the Warrington community is so important.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself

I share with Ed Sheeran a passionate support of Ipswich Town Football Club despite the fact that I moved away from Suffolk at the age of 18 to start my nurse training in London.