Working at Ty Hafan

This article supports 'A Philosophy of Care' published on page 11 of RCN Bulletin in January 2012.

RCN member Beth Morgan is the Assistant Director of Care overseeing clinical services at the Ty Hafan hospice in south Wales.  

Beth, who qualified in general nursing in 1989 and in children’s nursing in 1991, worked for many years in acute paediatrics.

Determined that her career would not become stale, she felt she needed a new challenge. “It’s a 35 mile trip to work but it is worth it,” she says. “As long as I’m working, I’ll be in children’s nursing.”

Previously she‘d worked in a ward environment caring for children with learning disabilities, acute and palliative care needs. But she was always keen to find out what went on behind the scenes. In her role she now ensures a high quality of service is sustained and the work is evidence-based.

Taking part in the Beautiful Lives documentary, aired last September on BBC One Wales, was a chance to highlight the importance of the community and outreach work carried out by the team, says Beth.

“This has evolved in the last 12 years, since the hospice was founded, as we have developed to meet the needs of the families we come into contact with.”

Supporting parents as well as siblings was also shown as integral to the service. For brothers and sisters, a ‘super sibs’ group has been established, offering age-appropriate support tailored specifically to their needs.

Supporting families

But working for a children’s hospice will always bring its own challenges. Getting it right for children, families and staff is a delicate balancing act. “The vast majority of nurses work 12-hour shifts here,” says Beth. “This shift system is not imposed and these hours are, without doubt, very hard work. However, they are fulfilling. Children and young people’s needs are met effectively and staff can see them properly throughout the day, and for the younger ones, be there when they go to bed. This gives everyone involved more quality time together.”

Supporting staff

Beth says she is hugely proud of the commitment shown by all the hospice staff, who often find themselves in upsetting situations. “You feel privileged to be accepted by the families and this really motivates you. We are a very close and robust team and the peer support we offer to each other is essential.”

A debrief is always offered following the death of a child but Beth says the team is generally happy to discuss issues openly as a group.

“It is an open culture and people are not afraid to cry, but staff take a professional approach to ensure the best care for the families.”
Continued professional development alongside external clinical supervision is an essential part of the staff support. “It is important to open up to someone impartial to the organisation. We encourage reflection and all employees have a contact number for a dedicated counselling service,” says Beth.

Post-bereavement care goes on for as long as the families want at Ty Hafan. For some this is months, and for others it is years. All the families are able to make their own individual choices.

Working in a children’s hospice

Beth says that the care in a children’s hospice is tailor-made around the individual’s palliative care need. “We address the social, spiritual, emotional and physical needs. Every individual is unique and it is essential that you gain rapport and trust and you plan care to the specific needs of the children, young people and their families.
“We care for children and young people with a wide range of conditions – some may not even be diagnosed. There is a vast scope of illnesses and sometimes the pain may not even be the main challenge. But we must always meet the needs of the individual.”

Further information

The Ty Hafan hospice cares for children and young people, and their families, from birth to the age of 19. The hospice offers its services to families throughout Wales.

Find out more about the hospice at www.tyhafan.org