The heart of hospice care: Celebrating our Health Care Assistants
Behind every moment of comfort, every reassuring smile and every act of kindness at Pilgrims Hospices, there is often a Health Care Assistant (HCA) helping to make it possible.
Health Care Assistants are an essential part of our clinical teams, providing skilled, hands-on care, practical support and emotional reassurance to patients and those closest to them. Working alongside registered nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team, they help ensure everyone receives personalised care that respects their wishes, dignity and independence.
Whether supporting patients on our inpatient wards or visiting people in their own homes through our community services, HCAs play an important role in helping people live well and make the most of every precious moment. But the role of a Health Care Assistant is about much more than the care they provide.
Our HCAs are often the people who notice the little things that make a big difference – recognising when someone needs a cup of tea, a quiet conversation, a helping hand, or simply someone to sit beside them.
They provide personal care with kindness and dignity, support independence wherever possible, and offer reassurance to patients and families during some of life’s most important moments.
They also help create special memories, supporting celebrations such as birthdays and weddings, and helping to arrange cuddle beds so loved ones can spend precious time together.
Alongside their clinical skills, our HCAs bring warmth, humour and compassion to their roles. They help create the calm, welcoming atmosphere that makes Pilgrims Hospices such a special place.
Making every moment matter
For many of our HCAs, the privilege of supporting patients and families at such an important time in their lives is what makes their role so rewarding.
Melanie has been a Health Care Assistant with Pilgrims for nine years.
“It’s all about the patients and their loved ones. It’s a very special job,” she said. Michael, who has been part of the Pilgrims team for three years, shares the same passion for making a difference every day.
Theresa joined Pilgrims Canterbury around seven months ago following a 20-year NHS career, which began in end-of-life care at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
“It’s a wonderful, calm environment with caring colleagues, it’s a team that makes everything work so well, everyone plays their part.”
For many HCAs, the sense of belonging and the support of their colleagues is one of the things that makes working at Pilgrims so special.
An essential part of the team
Tina Ivanov, Director of Clinical Operations at Pilgrims Hospices, said: “Health Care Assistants are an essential part of our clinical teams. Their compassion, dedication, and commitment makes a huge difference to patients and families every day.
“They provide skilled and compassionate support, working closely with nurses and colleagues across our services to deliver the personalised care that Pilgrims is known for. Their ability to notice the small things and bring comfort at exactly the right moment is truly special.”
Nurses across Pilgrims also recognise the important contribution HCAs make, describing them as trusted colleagues who bring valuable knowledge, experience, and insight into every aspect of patient care.
Kate White, Senior Nurse Manager, said: “Our HCAs are at the heart of the care we provide. Their compassion, dedication, and ability to bring comfort, dignity and reassurance to patients and families every day is truly invaluable.”
The moments that matter
Carole has been a Health Care Assistant at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury for 18 years and loves being part of a team that helps make every moment special for patients and families.
“I love supporting the patients and families and helping to make every moment special,” she said. “Being part of a team and knowing that we all care so passionately about what we do means so much.”
Alongside her caring role, Carole enjoys creating seasonal displays on the ward, from Wimbledon-inspired decorations to autumn leaves and festive scenes, bringing smiles to patients, visitors and colleagues alike.
Amber has been a Health Care Assistant at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet for two years, having previously worked at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate. After taking time away from work to care for her daughter, Amber reflected on what was most important to her and discovered a real passion for end-of-life care.
“I truly love the relationships we’re able to build with our patients at Pilgrims,” she said. “Being part of the team is really special. We communicate so well, support one another, and always come together when it matters.”
Sharon has spent the past two years as part of the HCA team at Thanet, following previous experience with Pilgrims’ Hospice at Home service. With 11 years of valuable Pilgrims experience, she knows how important teamwork is.
“Patients never realise what a jolly place it is here,” she said. “To hear the laughter and spend time chatting with the HCAs can make a world of difference to patients and their families.”
At Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, the team shared the same feelings; Monica and Marife said: “It’s a privilege to care for people when they need us most. Every day is different, but knowing we’ve made someone’s day a little easier is incredibly rewarding.”
Every day, our Health Care Assistants bring compassion, dignity, reassurance and kindness to patients and families across east Kent. Whether offering practical care, sharing a quiet conversation, or helping to create lasting memories, they are at the very heart of hospice care.
A day in the life of a Health Care Assistant
- Providing personal care with dignity and compassion
- Helping patients maintain their independence
- Working alongside nurses and the wider clinical team
- Supporting families through precious moments
- Creating special memories and celebrations
- Offering comfort, reassurance and companionship
- Helping make every moment matter
Thank you to every one of our Health Care Assistants for the extraordinary difference you make every day.
