Showcasing the vital work of hospices in the Eastern region

Along with Nicola, Regional Director Paul Morris and Sarah Seeley, lead nurse for independent health and social care, visited sites run by the hospice charity Rennie Grove Peace in St Albans and Watford to meet staff and hear about the work they do and the challenges they face. The charity supports people of all ages across West Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire who are affected by life-limiting illnesses, as well as those who help care for them.

Nicola was invited to see the work of the charity by Day Services nurse Helen Hextall, who helped show the team around to showcase their work. As well as their inpatient service in Watford, Rennie Grove Peace also provides hospice at home care, bereavement and counselling services and outpatient and rehabilitation support. The charity has stressed the importance of people seeking their support as early as possible to make sure they can make the most of the services they can offer.

During the visit, representatives from Hospice UK spoke about the challenges to secure funding faced by hospices across the country, as well as attracting and retaining staff.

You can find out more about the work of Rennie Grove Peace on their website. You can also find more information about end-of-life care on the RCN website, including the Compassionate Care Around Dying resources and the RCN Pain and Palliative Care Forum.