A fond farewell to Debbie Boots: Celebrating 24 years of compassionate care at Pilgrims Hospices
After an incredible 24 years with Pilgrims Hospices, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Debbie Boots, is retiring, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of care, compassion, and dedication.
Debbie in her early nursing days
Originally from Dagenham, Essex, Debbie has called Thanet home for many years. Her nursing career spans an impressive 44 years, taking just two short breaks for maternity leave. She first trained as a general nurse in Redbridge, gaining experience in male and female surgery and mental health care before moving into care home management.
But it was a single, deeply moving experience with an end-of-life patient at QEQM Hospital that led Debbie to hospice care – a decision that shaped the rest of her career.
Debbie joined Pilgrims Hospices with a passion for ensuring that patients facing life-limiting illnesses receive the best possible care. She embraced every opportunity to develop her skills, working on the in-patient wards and within the community team, earning a Master’s Degree and becoming an Advanced Practitioner Nurse – later recognised as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner.
Throughout her time at Pilgrims, she has played a crucial role in developing nurse prescribing within the charity, mentoring colleagues, and influencing best practices in end-of-life care.
Debbie with Brenda Blethyn
Reflecting on her journey, Debbie says:
“Listening is one of the biggest parts of our role as Pilgrims nurses. I’m a very good listener, and patients need to tell their stories. When you’re listening, you get a sense of what’s most important to them – and that’s what we need to focus on.
Everything we do here is patient-focused. We need to know that our patients feel supported and cared for every step of the way, right up to the very last moment.”
She continues:
“From the moment people are invited to attend any of our clinics or arrive at the hospice for the first time, they’re often tense and sitting on the edge of their chair. We work hard to pick up on the cues in those early conversations, and provide a management plan that will help them to live as well as possible for the remainder of their life.
“When people realise that we’re truly listening, reflecting and empathising, you can see the change – they begin to relax. By gaining their trust, we help them find the coping mechanisms they need at the early stages of their care.”
Her decision to retire was made over a year ago, with the heartfelt desire to be there for her elderly parents and growing family. She is looking forward to spending more time with her two young grandsons, Gregory (3) and Duncan (18 months), and to welcoming a granddaughter soon. At 62, Debbie is also prioritising her own health while embracing this new chapter of life.
Though stepping away from the hospice is bittersweet, Debbie is confident in the talented and dedicated nursing and clinical team she leaves behind. She shares:
“I’ve always worked alongside incredible colleagues, and now it’s time to step back and let them spread their wings. They have the skills, compassion, and fresh ideas to continue delivering outstanding care.”
However, this isn’t a complete goodbye. Debbie has expressed her wish to maintain her links with her beloved hospice career and is considering volunteering in one of Pilgrims’ charity shops in the future.
“It will be lovely to still feel that I’m part of the very special Pilgrims team,” she says.
A message from Kate White, Senior Nurse Manager:
“Debbie’s wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed by colleagues and patients alike. We thank her for her years of service and wish her all the happiness and relaxation she deserves in retirement.”
Enjoy every moment, Debbie – you’ve truly earned it!
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
1st November 2023
Patsy Worthington: Dedication to Palliative Care Nursing
Patsy Worthington, a compassionate and dedicated nurse, is retiring at the age of 70, bidding farewell to her colleagues and friends at Pilgrims Hospices this month. Her remarkable journey as a palliative specialist nurse at the Canterbury and Ashford Hospices has left an indelible mark on countless patients, their families, and friends. Before her nursing career, Patsy had a diverse background that included working as an air stewardess and owning her own hairdressing salon. However, she found nursing to be a truly rewarding and fulfilling career, especially in the context of her work with Pilgrims Hospices.
Patsy’s journey into the healthcare field began when she trained as a healthcare assistant. She started with no formal qualifications, working her way up from being a healthcare assistant to becoming a qualified nurse. Her decision to undertake her nurses training was influenced by her husband’s illness, which ignited her passion for nursing. She embarked on her nurses training in 2007 at the age of 50, inspired by the district nurses who supported her husband during his illness.
With resolute determination, she pursued her nursing degree at Christchurch University Canterbury, committing herself to caring for the terminally ill. It took three years of hard work and study, and her husband’s unwavering support, to achieve her goal. Pilgrims Hospices also played a vital role in supporting her through this educational journey.
Patsy’s pride in her profession is evident as she reflects on her role in providing comfort and solace to terminally ill patients. Her colleagues, Sarah Martins and Kate White, speak highly of her, acknowledging her understanding of the unique needs and concerns of patients and their families.
“I’m so proud when people ask what I do for a living, and I can say I’m a nurse and I’m part of the Pilgrims Hospices care team.”
Patsy – RGN Pilgrims Hospices
One of Patsy’s most significant contributions was her mentorship of nursing students who passed through Pilgrims Hospices. She shared her knowledge and wisdom, instilling in them the importance of caring for the person behind the illness. Her work in inspiring the next generation of nurses has been particularly special to her. Patsy offers a positive message for future nurses and students considering palliative care. She emphasises the rewarding nature of her career and the value she felt as a member of the Pilgrims Hospices team.
Reflecting on her nursing career, she expresses her willingness to do it all again, despite the challenges that come with age. The COVID-19 pandemic was a particularly challenging period in her career. The absence of volunteers, restrictions on visitors, and the emotional toll it took on both patients and healthcare providers, left a deep impact to all it touched.
I’m finishing my career with a really positive message for students and nurses who are in training, or thinking of working within palliative care. I’ve had the most wonderful career, and can only say it has been truly rewarding. Pilgrims has always made me feel to be a valued member of the team, I’m very lucky to have enjoyed such a wonderful and rewarding career.
Patsy – RGN Pilgrims Hospices
As Patsy brings her nursing journey to a close, her legacy is immeasurable. The lives she has touched, the comfort she has provided, and the future nurses she has inspired will forever remember her dedication and compassion. Patsy’s legacy will be cherished by many.
In her well-deserved retirement, Patsy, her husband, and their faithful dog Popeye, plan to enjoy the peaceful coastal village of Dymchurch. She intends to focus on gardening, walking her dog, and spending quality time with her sisters. She looks forward to celebrating her retirement with her colleagues, knowing that her relationships with them will endure.
In conclusion, Patsy Worthington’s dedication to palliative care has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless patients, families, and future nurses. Her retirement marks the end of a beautiful chapter, but her legacy of compassion, dedication, and love will continue to inspire and guide others for years to come.
Each year Pilgrims supports thousands of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end-of-life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
