RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN AND NEW MODEL OF CARE LAUNCHED TO ATTRACT MORE NURSING AND MEDICAL STAFF TO CAREERS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 

Pilgrims Hospices is embarking on an ambitious recruitment drive to support transformative changes aimed at enhancing end-of-life-care and attracting more nursing and medical staff to palliative care roles. 

The charity will expand its clinical workforce to achieve a truly multidisciplinary senior leadership team that leads on strategic and organisational service development for supportive and end-of-life care in East Kent. This will include the recruitment of three nurse consultants who will take on important decision-making powers for in-patient care and community outreach services. In addition, there will be opportunities for more palliative care consultants and middle grade doctors to join the team.  

Working with us offers unique benefits, including the time to provide truly compassionate care, which may not be achievable elsewhere. 

Dr Pia Amsler, Director of Medicine, Pilgrims Hospices, said: “We are committed to delivering the highest quality hospice care for the people of East Kent, and have consistently enjoyed strong support from the community for our vital services. However, like many hospices nationwide, we face challenges in attracting suitable candidates for key clinical roles. 

“We have undertaken a thorough review of our structure and care model to future-proof our services and create more opportunities for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their careers. We want to dispel the view that there is not a career path in hospice care compared to the NHS. Working with us offers unique benefits, including the time to provide truly compassionate care, which may not be achievable elsewhere. 

“The newly created nurse consultant positions represent senior roles focused on frontline patient care, offering an attractive alternative to traditional management paths. This investment in our workforce reflects our commitment to supporting career progression within our organisation.” 

The transition to a new care model will ensure the sustainability of in-patient and community services while offering enhanced career pathways for ambitious nursing and medical professionals. It also supports the changing demands and needs of people living longer with increasingly complex care needs. In future, each hospice site will have a shared medical and nurse consultant leadership team plus a Medical Director who will oversee care. Salaries will be competitive with NHS rates. 

For full details on available vacancies and further information about working at Pilgrims Hospices, please visit our website: www.pilgrimshospices.org/about-us/work-with-us/ 

Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes.  To offer these services to patients and their families, the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community. 

Within the embrace of Pilgrims Hospices in Ashford, amidst the corridors, therapy rooms, and family areas, a beacon of warmth and compassion shines through the dedicated efforts of individuals like Lizzie Threlfall. Lizzie, a vibrant and empathetic 25-year-old, is not just another student on placement; she’s a testament to the transformative power of heartfelt care and genuine dedication.

With a Psychology First Class Honours Degree already under her belt and now pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Kent, Lizzie found herself drawn to Pilgrims Hospices for her first placement. Hailing from Maidstone, the opportunity to immerse herself in the hospice’s social work team felt like fate knocking at her door.

“I was a little apprehensive at first,” Lizzie admits, reflecting on her initial impressions. “You have your own image of a hospice before you’ve been involved with one. It was totally new to me. But I thought, why not give it a go?”

From the moment she stepped through the doors, Lizzie was enveloped by a sense of belonging. The warmth of the team and the genuine welcome she received dispelled any doubts she had. “I was taken by surprise, very much so,” she shares. “I never expected to feel so drawn to working here. In fact, I don’t want my placement to end.”

“Each day is different,” she says with a smile. “You never know what each new day will bring, and I love that.”

What struck Lizzie most was the stark contrast between Pilgrims Hospices and other environments she had encountered. “Most areas are very procedural,” she explains, “but here, it’s much softer. You have the real opportunity to become a genuine social worker, putting the person at the centre of all you do.”

The diversity of experiences at Pilgrims Hospices has been a revelation for Lizzie. “Each day is different,” she says with a smile. “You never know what each new day will bring, and I love that.”

Lizzie’s enthusiasm for her work is contagious, spreading even to her fellow students. “I’ve been sharing my experiences with them,” she says, “and they’re amazed at the depth of learning and emotional connection we foster here.”

Indeed, Lizzie’s journey at Pilgrims Hospices has been one of growth and enlightenment. She speaks passionately about the invaluable tools she’s gained, particularly in communication. “Patients have so many different issues to deal with,” she explains. “Being able to effectively communicate and advocate for them is crucial.”

“I never considered palliative social work before,” she admits, “but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

But beyond the skills and knowledge acquired, it’s the sense of purpose and fulfilment that resonates most deeply with Lizzie. “Working here has reaffirmed my passion for helping others,” she reflects. “It’s not a depressing place, as some may assume. It’s a happy and safe environment, where everyone is supported.”

As Lizzie looks ahead to completing her Master’s and embarking on her career as a qualified social worker, her heart remains with Pilgrims Hospices. “I never considered palliative social work before,” she admits, “but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

With gratitude in her heart and determination in her stride, Lizzie Threlfall is not just a social work placement student; she’s a shining example of the profound impact one individual can have in the lives of others. And as she dreams of joining the Pilgrims’ team permanently, there’s no doubt that her journey has only just begun.

If you are interested in learning more about the many roles on offer at Pilgrims Hospices, including volunteer opportunities visit: Work-with-us

Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured.  The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.