Hospiscare nurse celebrations

We recently held a tea party to celebrate the “graduation” of our Hospiscare Exeter community nurse Rachel Willmott.

Rachel is pictured, wearing pink, with her certificate which she received after studying and spending three years alongside highly experienced senior colleagues. She is now working in her new role as community nurse specialist in the city.

Rachel said: “I love this job. As a team we are able to give specialist advice and support to people who are at the end of their life. Hospiscare community nurses have time and experience and we are able to support families caring for their loved ones in their own homes.

Previously I’ve worked as a district nurse and my heart is in the community.” We view Rachel as a “trailblazer” in gaining this qualification, three others nurses are following in her footsteps and we are hoping that this “grow our own” specialist nurse’s initiative will ensure continued excellent care for our patient and families.

Nationally there is a shortage of nurses. Colleagues, consultants and senior nurses, who are thrilled by Rachel’s success came along to our tea party to celebrate her success.

Ten years ago Rachel started working for us on the ward at our hospice in Dryden Road, which is also where our Exeter community nurses are based.