Last Updated: May 22, 2024
Thames Hospice’s Team Leader for Outpatient Services debunks the myths and explains what inspired him to devote his career to this worthwhile cause.
James Hill left the ambulance service to focus on his passion for working with people with life-limiting conditions. Now as Thames Hospice’s Team Leader for Outpatient Services, James explains his motivations and the difference the Hospice makes.
Q: Tell me how you ended up working for the Hospice?
As an ambulance paramedic, I started noticing that I was getting a lot more out of helping people with life-limiting conditions. So a colleague and I started collaborating with a local hospice. Then in 2019 I approached Thames Hospice and said, ‘Would you consider a paramedic?’ They took a chance and the rest is history. I’m so proud of introducing para-medicine to the Hospice. We complement the nursing and medical team and learn from each other.
Q: What does your role as the Hospice’s wellbeing manager entail?
I oversee the Hospice’s Outpatient Services and manage a fantastic team of colleagues. That includes our day therapy service – a six-week programme tailored to the individual. Once a week, the patient can come and do arts and crafts, see a physio, get practical support and advice with finances, advanced care planning, or symptom control. It’s a one-stop shop. I also look after our physiotherapists, occupational therapists and complementary therapists, who offer treatments including reflexology, aromatherapy and massage. And I manage our lymphoedema service. We have a specialist practitioner and a practitioner support worker who advise, assess and do a range of different therapies for patients with lymphoedema – a condition where a blockage in the lymphatic condition causes swelling.
Q:What surprises people most about the Hospice?
People normally see a hospice as all doom and gloom, but Thames Hospice is such a happy place. Memories can be made here – we’ve arranged for the Executive Chef of a local Michelin Starred restaurant prepare and serve a meal for a patient and his wife and we’ve also organised and hosted weddings and christenings at the Hospice too.
We’re here to help at the end of someone’s end of life but people also come for symptom control, or to use our day services. It’s a hub for people to have tailored care and treatment in a lovely environment. Our purpose-built building is very open, welcoming and calm. There are lovely meals and en-suite rooms, with sofa beds and smart TVs. We’ve got a great cafe which is open to the public and lots of spaces for friends and family to chat, have a laugh and reminisce.
Q: What do you find rewarding in your role?
Being a part of someone’s journey when they’ve received a palliative diagnosis. We’re welcomed into the homes of people who’ve been given devastating news and we’re able to empower them. We allow them to be where they want to be, see who they want to see, make memories, and be around the people that matter the most. And when someone does pass away – peacefully and pain-free, with their family around them – it’s truly humbling to be a part of that.
Q: What do you feel are the key services Thames Hospice provides?
We have a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week, response service, manned by specialist nurses or paramedics. So, if someone at home is worried, there is always someone to respond and reassure.
Our 28-bed Inpatient Unit means that if a patient needs a hospice admission, we can do that smoothly, within a day or two. We have consultants, speciality doctors, physios, OTs and everything to give someone an expert wrap-around service, so they don’t have to go into hospital.
We have a care service as well, so we can provide packages of care to patients and relatives in the community at very short notice.
Q: Can you explain what your ‘virtual ward’ is?
It’s a standalone extra service which can provide real expert medical input early on.
It’s virtual in the sense that we manage people at home. We go out to them every day for 14 days and provide an enhanced care service. We have a consultant, a specialist doctor and nurse, or paramedic and can respond to patients in the community who are having a flare up of pain, but don’t necessarily want to go to a hospital or the hospice. We also support patients who are very symptomatic and near the end of life. By going in daily, we offer a more intense medical service where we can support a patient and their family to remain at home.
Q: What is the hardest part of your role?
You can get to know patients over a long period. You build a bond and although it’s a professional bond, when that patient does die it can be difficult, because you need to have emotion to work in this role. It can be incredibly sad when that journey ends for a patient. What keeps me going is knowing that there are lots of people that need our support. When one journey ends, another is beginning and we can help the next patient and their family.
Q: What would you like people to know about going into Thames Hospice?
Everyone is included. Nobody should be afraid to speak up or ask for support. The patient is what brings people here, but we help carers and family members too, with counselling and bereavement support, because we recognise it’s such a difficult time. Thames Hospice is a friendly place. You can speak to anybody and they’ll help, or point you in the right direction.
Q: Can prospective patients visit the Hospice before admission?
You can get a feeling for the Hospice just by walking into our reception and café. We are also more than happy to show people around our facilities – you just need to call and arrange a time. This often reassures patients and families.
Q: Do you have any final thoughts to share about the Hospice?
We are here for so much more than what people think. People shouldn’t be afraid to ask. No question is silly. You’d be amazed with what we can help with! So just pick up the phone.
May is Make a Will Month at Thames Hospice. Discounted Wills, for a donation to the Hospice, are booking up fast. You can view participating solicitors, and book via their website.
If you are looking for further information about hospices, palliative and end of life care – you may like to read this blog on planning for the future – and what is important to think about. You can also search for hospices in our useful contacts section.
