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Why I chose community based palliative care

09 May 2025
Ellen sits at a white table in a colourful flowering garden.

For International Nurse's Day, Ellen shares her experience of working in palliative care, and what inspired her to work in a community-based role.

After qualifying as a Registered Nurse six years ago, I have spent the last eight months working as a Senior Registered Nurse in the palliative care hub at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger.

What inspired me to move into community-based healthcare? For me, the answer is simple: I wanted to help patients feel as comfortable and supported as possible in their own homes.

I wanted to help patients feel as comfortable and supported as possible in their own homes.

During my time as a student nurse, I had the privilege of accompanying district nurses into patients' homes. Those experiences sparked a deep interest in palliative care, as I witnessed firsthand the comfort and openness that home-based conversations provided.

Having worked in both hospice and community care settings, I have seen the profound impact that familiar surroundings can have. Home represents decades of memories for the patient - the garden they nurtured, the photos that mean so much to them. There is a real sense of peace in spending one's final days in a place filled with familiarity.

I have seen the profound impact that familiar surroundings can have. Home represents decades of memories for the patient.

Ellen stands, dressed in her Sue Ryder uniform, in front of white double doors at Sue Ryder St John's Hopsice.

Now, as part of a palliative care hub, my role includes telephone support for patients and families. Some days involve symptom management and medication advice, while sometimes it's just about simply listening - allowing people to express their emotions freely, knowing they are heard. Our team collaborates closely with district nurses, GPs, and hospice at home healthcare assistants to ensure patients receive the care they need.

The most rewarding aspect of my job is offering support during the most difficult of times. It’s such a privilege. It’s about bringing light into a dark place and ensuring that, even in the final chapter of life, people feel heard, supported, and cared for.

It’s about bringing light into a dark place and ensuring that, even in the final chapter of life, people feel heard, supported, and cared for.

Talking about palliative care is often avoided, but we must not be scared to have these discussions. Death and dying are inevitable, but early conversations can ease anxieties and ensure patients receive the care they truly want. Open dialogue brings clarity and comfort - not only to the patient but to their families as well.

A team of three Sue Ryder Nurses in their blue uniforms
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Last year our nurses helped care for 9,400 people in our hopsices or in their homes. This International Nurses Day can you help us continue to provide this care?

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What is palliative or end-of-life care?
This page explains what palliative care and end-of-life care is, what type of care and support Sue Ryder provides, and who provides it.
Two healthcare professionals are talking and looking at a piece of paper together
Our hospices and care centres
We have palliative care hubs, hospices and community support in a number of different counties across England.
A patient is sat up in bed, holding hands with a family member sat next to them. In the foreground is a nurse, talking to them.
Sue Ryder Nurses
Sue Ryder Nurses are privileged to be there to give care and support for people and their families at the most difficult time of their lives.