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8th October 2024 Latest News

The power of kindness in palliative care

Sue web resized

On a busy day within the walls of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s palliative care ward, you will find a sense of calmness to Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) Sue McArdle, who has been working within palliative care for over 20 years.

It takes someone special to work in palliative care. Knowing it’s a place patients come for their final moments on earth. As Sue explained, a person’s end of life journey is as individual as their life journey.

Sue takes her role as NUM very seriously and treats all her patients and their loved ones with respect and kindness.

“Something I focus on right from the beginning is kindness – we have to be kind. It makes such a difference for patients,” Sue said.

“We have to be responsive to everyone’s individuality. When you walk into a room, you walk in with kindness and always acknowledge the person in that space and their loved ones.”

Working in palliative care can be quite heavy, with patients knowing their days are limited. The focus must shift from illness to enhancing their quality of life – this is when kindness takes on a profound significance.

It’s a vital component of compassionate care that profoundly impacts patients, families and healthcare providers alike, Sue explained.

“If you really think about what patients are facing, they’re so extraordinary and we get to be part of that but hopefully also make a positive difference in their life.”

It’s as much about the families as it is patients, and Sue and her team do whatever they can to ease the pain and grief for families.

“It’s really about supporting the families. Once again everyone is different, people grieve differently so it’s about really listening and acknowledging what the family want and respecting their wishes,” Sue said.

“It’s always hard losing a loved one and if we can ease that pain even for a moment for families, it’s worth it.”

With the daily reminder of how precious life is, Sue said working within palliative care teaches you to live.

“I might hear someone complain about getting older but that’s actually a good thing. We have so many people who don’t get that opportunity. You learn to really appreciate the time you have.”

Because of the challenging nature of the job, Sue explained the importance of having a good team to lean on during the difficult times.

“There are some challenging days but it’s about having supportive and caring staff. Our team is great, we really look after each other,” Sue said.

“If you’re in this job for the right reasons, you find it extremely rewarding. I’m grateful to work within palliative care and meet some amazing people who really teach me the value of time and the importance of living, not just surviving.”

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