Sue Ryder

We support people living through the challenges of life-changing illness. We support people in our residential and day centres, day clinics, in the community or at home. We help people affected by cancer, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, stroke, brain injury and life changing illnesses.

A life dedicated to caring for people with end of life conditions

26 February 2010

A hospice in Leeds is celebrating a long-serving nurse who will retire next month. Mary Murphy has dedicated 32 years of her life caring for people living with life-limiting conditions including cancer, and their families, at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.  Mary is also the last original staff member at the hospice, which opened in 1978.

"It has been a very difficult decision for me to take. If I could, I would come into work on my Zimmer frame. But things have moved on and I thought it was time for me to step down", said Mary Murphy who currently works as a nurse in the in-patient unit at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.

Despite all the changes over the last 32 years at the hospice, including new treatment methods, improved pain relief and better equipment, Mary said one crucial element has unchanged at the hospice - the quality of care.

"When I started working as a nurse, the hospice movement was just starting out and it was a learning experience for all of us. So much has changed since then, but what hasn't changed is the care and the understanding staff show to patients.  If a patient wants a takeaway, we will go and get it.  And, listening to patients is the most important thing.

"Wheatfields Hospice is my passion and I will never lose that. I am very proud and honoured to have been a part of it", Mary added.

Samantha Cheverton, Hospice Manager at Sue Ryder, commented: "Mary will be greatly missed and we are looking forward to seeing her on numerous occasions in the future. Mary has given so much to Wheatfields and our patients and their families. It has not just been a job to her, but a life-long passion - and her influence will be felt for a long time to come".

Founded in 1953 by Lady Ryder, Sue Ryder has a long and distinguished history of delivering care - and today operates hospices, neurological care centres, homecare and community based care services nationwide.  Through innovation and research Sue Ryder works to improve standards in long-term and end of life care and is increasingly focusing on developing community-based services that support people to retain independence and live well in their own homes for as long as possible.

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