"Dad loved my dog Bert and it was wonderful to be able to watch him sit in the hospice garden playing with Bert."
George Copeland
Staff at the Marie Curie Hospice Penarth explain why they enjoy their jobs as well as revealing their hobbies and favourite songs.
Since 2008.
Knowing that patients and families can get the support that they need at a time when they need it most.
We work as a team to try and continually improve the care we provide. We listen to patients and carers and try to be as flexible and responsive as we can. The team also focuses on quality of care and it is important to us all in Penarth that patients and families are supported at what can be a very stressful and emotional time.
I love live music and go to lots of concerts. I also love animals and have two dogs, Gracie and Hotdog.
No real favourite songs but like the Scottish band Texas.
I started in January 2010.
900.
Knowing that the patients have enjoyed their meal.
Main course would be chicken wellington, lasagne and curry and dessert would be panna cotta/tiramisu and chocolate tart.
We get many requests and try to cater for everyone.
I play guitar in my spare time and have previously played in bands.
The Ocean by Led Zeppelin.
I joined in 2007.
Recommended by a friend.
Being part of a team.
I help volunteer services with volunteers that patients and carers.
Bowls, keep-fit.
Imagine – John Lennon.
I've been here since 2004.
Helping patients to achieve a goal even if it’s just being able to sit out in a chair for a short time. Also, I enjoy meeting with such a wide variety of people every day which makes the job challenging and rewarding. Every patient has a different story and different outlook on their disease.
Often making small changes to the way a patient / carer manages a task can ease the home situation. Showing a carer how to manual handle a patient correctly can save time and prevent injuries. Empowering patients to undertake tasks themselves with the use of aids etc can often lead to a more independent way of life. Patients will often talk more openly to a team member during a treatment session which can help if they feel they cannot speak to a close relative.
Walking, swimming, music, crosswords.
Maggie May.
I have been with the charity since 2002.
I started out as Payroll Giving Manager for Wales, going into companies and asking staff to support the charity by making a weekly or monthly donation from their wages. This also gave me the opportunity to talk about the services that we offered and fundraising events in the area.
I live in Penarth so was very aware of all the good work done at the hospice and by our nurses in patients' homes so it was great when the role in the Penarth hospice came up and I decided to work closer to home in my own community.
I love most music from every decade but have a particular soft spot for anything done by The Beatles and ‘In My Life’ is one of my favourite songs.
©2012 Marie Curie Cancer Care - Registered in England and Wales with Charity Reg No. 207994 and in Scotland with Charity Reg No. SC038731