Name: Carol O’Neill and Gemma Blaney
Job Title: Ward Managers
Background: Between us, we bring over 30 years of experience in healthcare and more than 15 years as qualified nurses. While we didn’t begin our careers within a ward setting, our professional journeys naturally led us to palliative care, where we discovered a shared passion that brought us to St. Rocco’s Hospice.
At the start of 2024, we were promoted together to Senior Nurses which was a milestone that meant a great deal to both of us. In May 2025, we took the next step, successfully securing a shared promotion as Ward Managers. Working side by side throughout our careers has strengthened our leadership, deepened our relationship, and reinforced our commitment to delivering exceptional care.
What does your role involve? We lead the inpatient unit, ensuring that every patient receives compassionate, personalised care. A central part of our role is supporting our incredible nursing team, everyone brings out the best in each other, and we truly couldn’t do our jobs without their dedication, skill, kindness and team ethic. Our day-to-day responsibilities include coordinating care plans, developing teams, nurturing the department, and being a calm, reassuring presence for loved ones during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We also work closely with colleagues and senior management teams, and the support we receive is invaluable.
What made you want to work at St. Rocco’s? St. Rocco’s stood out to us for its warmth, its values, and its commitment to making every day count. We wanted to be part of a place where care goes above and beyond for patients and loved ones, ensuring they are supported, understood, and treated with dignity. The ethos at the hospice aligns perfectly with what we believe nursing should be.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourselves: We’re sisters, two years apart! Although we argued like cat and dog growing up, we’re now the best of friends. Working together, both in previous roles and now at St. Rocco’s has made our bond unbreakable. We support each other through both the good and the challenging times, continually encouraging one another to be better. Our strengths naturally complement each other, creating a strong and united partnership in everything we do.
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