Natalie Sutton has recently qualified in a brand new role as a Nurse Associate within the nursing team at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet.
She has been a valued Health Care Assistant (HCA) within the care team for six years, her new role will be working with healthcare support workers, and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and their families. It’s also a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.
Natalie is 35 years old and lives with her husband James in Ramsgate, she told us that after leaving school, she went to college to study child care, and pursued a career caring for young children. Thereafter she spent a number of years enjoying a career in retail. However, in her heart of hearts, she knew that care was in her blood, but didn’t quite know which area to choose.
Natalie Sutton, Nurse Associate
After nine years with Sainsbury’s, Natalie applied to work with a nursing agency, undertaking some domiciliary roles, working in peoples’ homes and care homes, she enjoyed the role, caring for a wide variety of people over two and a half years.
She said: “While I was with the nursing agency, I looked after someone who was dying, and the colleague I worked alongside, shared her skills and knowledge with me; I learned so much about the correct procedures, and it truly sparked my interest in palliative care.
“I decided to look for career opportunities with Pilgrims Hospices. My mum is a Palliative Specialist Nurse (PSN) with Pilgrims, and when I explained how I felt, she said that Pilgrims is a great place to work, and there might be opportunities for me to find a role within the care team.
“I joined as a Health Care Assistant, and loved supporting with patients’ personal care, dietary requirements and much more. These are some of the elements that nurses don’t always have time to do in their busy shifts.
In 2019, Natalie read about a brand new role of Nurse Associate that Pilgrims were going to add to the care team. It meant going to university as an apprentice while still working. “I was really interested, especially as this would allow me to continue working while taking on the university study. I would not have been able to afford to go back to full-time study.
“I knew at this point I was really interested in taking my care career to the next level. In 2020, I took up a place to study at Canterbury Christchurch University, knowing it was a two-year programme to qualify. Pilgrims were really supportive and I completed my protected learning at the Canterbury hospice, giving me some time away from my HCA day role in Thanet, allowing me some quality time to really focus on the new training.
“Initially, I felt quite overwhelmed and I wasn’t sure if would be able to manage the training, but with my husband’s and colleagues’ support, I soon got into my stride. I trained myself to find the best ways of learning and study, and soon came to grips with the essays and assignments to complete.”
In Natalie’s new role she will be assisting the nurses with their daily jobs, including medicine management, admissions and discharges.
As the first homegrown Nurse Associate, Natalie was instrumental in the selection of the brand new uniform for the role.
“I’m really enjoying my new role, I’ve also been able to share some of my training experiences with other HCAs that may encourage them to consider the opportunity. I’m always happy to share my experiences, Pilgrims are hoping to have a Nurse Associate at the Ashford and Canterbury sites too.”
When asked if she might consider taking her skills to the next level, and become a registered nurse she said: “Yes, perhaps in the future, but just now, I’m really enjoying my new role. Everyone here has been incredibly supportive and respectful of my new skills, I’m delighted to be part of Pilgrims’ care, we have the most amazing bond amongst our team.
“The whole team feel passionately about end-of-life care for patients and their families, and we know from personal experience that the people we care for are immensely grateful for our help.”
Kate White, Pilgrims Hospices Head of Nursing said: “I would like to say a massive congratulations to Natalie on becoming our first ‘ homegrown’ Nurse Associate! Her hard work and dedication has paid off, we are very proud of her.
“The new nursing associate (NA) role was introduced in England to bridge the gap between health care assistants and registered nurses. We hope to support further members of Pilgrims’ care team to take up these opportunities.”
If you would like to know more about care opportunities within Pilgrims Hospices, please visit pilgrimshospices.org/vacancies for more information.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
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.
3rd November 2022
Jim Richards on being a Pilgrims Hospices trustee: “It is a very rewarding role”
Pilgrims Hospices makes a difference each day to the lives of people across east Kent who are living with an incurable illness. Its leadership team reports to and is guided by a Board of Trustees, who voluntarily give their time and expertise to support the charity.
Each decision made always leads back to the reason Pilgrims is here: to support and empower patients and families to live well in every moment.
Jim Richards became a Pilgrims’ trustee in 2021; he shares what inspired him to get involved, and how the charity has a positive impact both within east Kent and beyond.
What motivated you to become a Pilgrims trustee?
I moved to Canterbury four years ago, having lived in Faversham for nearly 20 years.I’d previously been a governor at both Ethelbert Road Primary School and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, and had enjoyed those roles. Following the move to Canterbury and taking up a new job in early 2019, I wanted to settle into a routine before committing myself to further voluntary work within the local community.
I’ve known people close to me who received wonderful care from the hospices in Canterbury and Thanet, and I have also supported Pilgrims through their walking and cycling charity fundraising events. My motivation for being a trustee is a combination of believing passionately about the fantastic work that Pilgrims delivers to local communities, and to become involved on a voluntary basis with a local charity.
During 2021, I became aware of a vacancy for a trustee and put myself forward, and was formally appointed in September 2021.
There are undoubtedly challenges to the jobs that people within Pilgrims do, but the enthusiasm and purpose to help others and deliver a fantastic service with compassion and care to patients and those closest to them is remarkable.
Jim
Is being a Pilgrims trustee different from what you expected? If so, in what way? Has anything surprised you?
Given my previous role as a school governor, I think I was prepared for the type of activities that might be expected. But that has not stopped me from being humbled by the incredible energy and commitment that those who work for Pilgrims demonstrate on a daily basis, whether it be the care teams within the hospices, the volunteers in the shops and support teams, the leadership team, the catering staff, the community teams, the event organisers and everyone else.
The hospice sector is not an area where I have had previous experience; my background is transport. But it is a changing sector, with developments in funding models, the importance of care in the community and a much greater awareness of end-of-life services in our society.
Why do you think it’s important to talk about death and dying? How is Pilgrims Hospices helping to lead the conversation and encourage change within wider society?
Death is inevitable for us all, and yet it is something that as a society we have not been good at sharing and discussing. It seems to me that unlike other cultures and societies, we have treated death as something to be handled privately.
The terrible and tragic losses experienced by far too many during the COVID-19 pandemic has perhaps galvanised the opportunity to have more open conversations. The loss of loved ones and questions over one’s own mortality have provided a platform for charities like Pilgrims to stimulate debate and awareness around the subjects of death and dying.
Pilgrims has been running a series of events across east Kent as part of itsTHINKcampaign, designed to get people talking about death and bereavement, and to start planning for their end-of-life arrangements. In so doing, it can provide comfort and reassurance to individuals as they live out their final days, and to families, friends and loved ones during those emotional and challenging periods.
Pilgrims also curates an online blog,After Wards, that features insights and ideas from people and organisations who can help us all to re-imagine this essential part of life, and to live well until we die.
It is a very rewarding role, and indeed a privilege, to be part of a charity that is forward-looking and plays such an important part in our communities.
Jim
What is your favourite part about being a Pilgrims trustee?
The people I’ve met have all been so welcoming and friendly. There are undoubtedly challenges to the jobs that people within Pilgrims do, but the enthusiasm and purpose to help others and deliver a fantastic service with compassion and care to patients and those closest to them is remarkable.
I don’t really need an excuse to attend various events and fetes, but I have to say that the cake stalls and food at some of the events are a particular favourite – and I don’t even need to be a trustee to enjoy those!
What does Pilgrims mean to you?
Pilgrims means several things to me based on my experiences over recent years, and I am sure these will develop further over time.
As a trustee, I have become involved in the future strategic direction and governance of the hospice, and that is both a responsibility and a privilege. From a personal perspective, I have valued the care and support as loved ones have spent their final days in one of the hospices. Participating in the charity walking and cycling events count as real physical challenges that have helped raise money and pushed me to personal achievements. Finally, I love browsing the Pilgrims shops when I am in Canterbury, looking for a bargain book or items of clothing.
What would you say to others who might consider becoming a Pilgrims trustee in the future?
It is a very rewarding role, and indeed a privilege, to be part of a charity that is forward-looking and plays such an important part in our communities.
I have been a trustee for a little over a year, but I am learning a tremendous amount and hope that I have been able to offer something to support Pilgrims as they look to the future.
Trustees’ Week (7-11 November 2022) is a time to come together to celebrate the achievements of over 1 million trustees across the UK.
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
12th October 2022
Mandy retires after 47 years in nursing, a credit to her profession
In September 2022, Pilgrims Hospices said goodbye to one of its much loved nurses, Mandy Lawson, as she retired to spend more time with her children, grandchildren and her variety of animals.
Mandy from Minster, who trained as a nurse in 1975, leaves a legacy of 47 years in nursing and said: “It has always been a privilege to be a nurse and to care for those in need.”
She explained: “I retired from my role in the NHS more than 11 years ago; however, after just three months, I was missing the profession so much, I decided to look for a new position and returned to my beloved nursing.
“I’ve worked in surgical nursing wards, A&E and many others, also spending the last five years in the NHS as a community matron. In 1993, I left hospitals and worked for many years as a district nurse in the Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet areas and travelled a great deal, which I enjoyed very much.
“I have seen many changes throughout my career. When I started nursing it was on what was known as Nightingale Wards, they were very long with beds either side, we wore frilly hats and starched pinafores, and the IVs were given in glass bottles. A far cry from our modern equipment in today’s healthcare services.”
We are passionate about the care we provide and our team has won awards for projects about changing practices in areas of pressure wound prevention.”
Mandy
Mandy continued her career as a registered nurse when she joined Pilgrims Hospices and worked on the ward at the Thanet hospice, before specialising as a Tissue Viability Nurse and now holds the position as team lead.
“Managing patients’ comfort and being able to manage pressure ulcers and wounds is vitally important. We are passionate about the care we provide and our team has won awards for projects about changing practices in areas of pressure wound prevention.”
Mandy added: “I’ve had an amazing career in nursing, and enjoyed my time working with the hospices. Nursing in palliative care has been a great experience and one that I would not want to change.
“I was a veterinary nurse with a background in dairy farming, and worked on a dairy farm in Upstreet part-time when I was at school. I gained a place at agricultural college, that led on to me doing my veterinary nurse training. However, I didn’t enjoy veterinary nursing. My mum was a nurse, she told me there were interviews taking place for nurse training and why didn’t I go for it… I got on the course and did my nurse training, hands-on at Margate hospital, and the rest is history.
I have also experienced Pilgrims Hospices care from the side of a patient too. My mum, Doreen, was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet around 14 months ago. Our family will be eternally grateful for the support and care offered by Pilgrims; everyone from carers, catering staff, support services and volunteers were amazing.
Mandy
“I’m a busy lady, and I’m not sure how I’m going to feel about not being a nurse, it’s been my life for so long, it will be a new experience.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my children, and grandchildren. It will be lovely to spend more time on my hobbies, one of which is singing in a local choir the ‘Village Voices’ in Minster where I’ve lived for 20 years. We usually sing for fundraising, and we’ve raised many £100s for local charities and causes. I have fun with a local dance group, the Mid-Life Movers and I’m also a member of the local Salvation Army, so there’s plenty to keep me busy.”
Alongside the many activities, she’s a keen animal lover and owns a horse and a small flock of sheep. Mandy explained: “I have a friend who breeds and shows livestock, and I took an interest in the preparing, showing and generally enjoy the farm life, I thought I might be a farmer when I was young. When I was 50, she bought me my first sheep, a beautiful Jacob, a very handsome black and white, I’m now the proud owner of a small flock, which I look after on a small holding in Manston.
Mandy
“I’m also really interested in conservation and rewilding, and hope to volunteer to help Wildwood with the new bison project. I’ve already undertaken some ecology study days at Wildwood ready for retirement. I’m an early to rise person, as I have the animals to attend to, so between them and the grandchildren I will be keeping busy.”
Mandy went on to say, “I have also experienced Pilgrims Hospices care from the side of a patient too. My mum, Doreen, was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet around 14 months ago. Our family will be eternally grateful for the support and care offered by Pilgrims; everyone from carers, catering staff, support services and volunteers were amazing. Dad cared for Mum at home after she had a stroke, Pilgrims’ Hospice at Home team were amazing in her final days at home. Pilgrims welcomed us with open arms when she needed the hospice for her final care.
“This year we attended the Sunflowers Memories day to remember her, it was indeed a very special day, which we will treasure in our memories.”
Hospice Care Week is an annual event where we recognise and celebrate Hospice UK and hospice care nationwide. It’s an opportunity to show the world the value of support, of care and of what matters to us as individuals at the end of life when we need it most.
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
31st August 2022
Pilgrims Hospices turns 40!
In 2022, Pilgrims Hospices celebrated 40 years since its first hospice was opened at the Canterbury site in June 1982.
This was followed by the Thanet hospice in 1992, and the Ashford hospice in 2001; so there was a lot to celebrate in 2022!
On 8 June 1982, Ann Robertson, the founder of Pilgrims Hospices, welcomed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother to oversee the opening of the hospice in Canterbury.
Ten years later, on 1 September 1992, the Thanet hospice was opened in the grounds of the QEQM Hospital in Margate.
Then, on 4 January 2001, after an overwhelming amount of support from the local community, the hospice at Ashford was opened.
In 2022, the charity not only celebrated 40 years of Pilgrims Hospices providing expert care and support in east Kent, but also marked the 30th anniversary of the Thanet hospice and the 21st anniversary of the Ashford hospice.
Annie Hogben, who has worked for Pilgrims since 1986 in many different roles including as a nurse, on the wider clinical team and within the Education department, said:
Annie Hogben
“I started work in the Canterbury hospice as a State Enrolled Nurse in May 1986. I was so keen to join the hospice team after hearing a lecture by Cicely Saunders, one of the founders of the Hospice movement, and felt it was the right place for me.
“I left the hospice in 1989 to continue my training and then returned to the Canterbury hospice in 1992, as a Registered Nurse.
“After having my family, I worked nights for a couple of years, before finally leaving the Canterbury hospice in 2000, to move to the Ashford hospice, to set up the day services centre there.
“Over these past years, Pilgrims has grown and developed dramatically to meet the needs of the people of east Kent, but always with the wonderful philosophy to support and come alongside patients, families and bereaved loved ones throughout the latter part of their lives. I consider it a real privilege to have been part of this amazing team of staff and volunteers for so long.”
£15 could pay for one complimentary therapy session for a patient, giving them a moment of relaxation and peace away from their illness.
£25 could provide an hour of specialist nursing care in our hospices, at Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford.
£40 could coverfour hours of staffing for our 24-hour telephone line, providing advice and support to patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing Programme.
18th July 2022
Pilgrims Hospices: Delivering care and services for 40 years
In 2022, Pilgrims Hospices celebrate 40 years of end-of-life care for the people of east Kent. The first hospice opened in Canterbury in June 1982, followed by Thanet in 1992, celebrating its 30th anniversary year, and Ashford in 2001, celebrating its 21st year.
That means plenty to celebrate this year!
The hospices were the vision of one local nurse, Ann Robertson, the founder and now Pilgrims lifetime President. Ann wanted to make a difference for the people in her community facing terminal illness. Thanks to her devotion, and the help of countless others, today we have almost 200 clinical staff. Together, they support thousands of people each year.
Pilgrims staff, volunteers, and trustees, old and new gathered on the hospice sites, not only to share in the celebrations but to enjoy the welcome return of the staff, volunteers and supporters thank you event, that hasn’t been held for two years due to COVID.
Ann Robertson attended the Canterbury, London Road event, sharing her memories with all those present and said: “It is a great privilege to have worked with so many forward-thinking and talented individuals over the years; in the early years, we faced the day to day headache of meeting our financial needs. As the years have passed, we’ve established relationships not only with our generous public but with the business community, who help us to raise the profile of our charity and engage with the wider community.
“We remain the welcoming face that will guide people through some of the most difficult times, the support of the community fills our hearts with great joy as we continue our journey to help even more people each year.”
Karen Warden, Pilgrims Chair of the Board of Trustees, shared Ann’s message with the Ashford and Thanet sites on her behalf.
We remain the welcoming face that will guide people through some of the most difficult times, the support of the community fills our hearts with great joy as we continue our journey to help even more people each year.
Ann Robertson, founder of Pilgrims Hospices
The staff at the hospices are truly community heroes, with more than 2,500 people within their care each year. Over the years, Pilgrims has pioneered groundbreaking research in palliative care, embraced innovative, cutting-edge technology to improve the quality of life for patients, and delivers education and training across east Kent for many other health and social care providers.
Pilgrims continues to grow from strength to strength, and in order to provide the much-needed care, our clinical staff are supported by an award-winning charity fundraising team, an established network of profitable retail shops, a successful local lottery, and a wealth of talents through its invaluable volunteer workforce.
From the very beginning, patients have been at the heart of everything Pilgrims do, and the charity will continue to grow and develop with the help of the community.
Helen Bennett, Pilgrims Chief Executive added: “We were delighted to have our remarkable founder and lifetime president with us for this special occasion. Ann welcomed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother to oversee the opening of the Canterbury hospice in 1982 and we enjoyed sharing some of her special memories of the occasion.
“We were also delighted to have long-standing supporters with us, some who helped establish Pilgrims with Ann, in particular Richard Davies who was a trustee for many, many years at Pilgrims. He was our Chair of the Board of Trustees and retired in 2020 during COVID. We weren’t able to say good-bye to him in a way we would have wanted to, so we were thrilled to have Richard and his wife Pauline with us.
Richard Davies with his wife, Pauline
“The wellbeing of my teams across the sites of Pilgrims Hospices is as important today as ever. We’ve experienced challenging times over the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has added to the daily workload for everyone, I have seen staff exceed all expectations to ensure patients are kept at the very heart of all that we do.
“Thank you to all staff, volunteers and supporters from across the hospice sites, we can celebrate in the knowledge that everyone plays an important role within the Pilgrims family.”
Karen Warden, current Chair of the Board of Trustees, who joined the Board in 2018 also shared the events with Pilgrims staff and volunteers, she added: “It gives me enormous pleasure, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, to be able to thank everyone who gives so freely of their time and energy to support all that we do. The events on all three sites, are not only to celebrate our respective anniversaries of providing expert care, but to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable and unwavering commitment our staff and friends make to Pilgrims Hospices.
“Staff, volunteers, fundraisers, donors, businesses and sponsors all play a part in the delivery and dedication of outstanding care and specialist support to patients and their families, friends and carers. Pilgrims is often likened to a family and I can think of no better analogy.
“Here’s to the next 40 years!”
If you’d like to help Pilgrims celebrate our 40th anniversary year, please visit pilgrimshospices.org/40 to find out how you can get involved.
A full photo album from the events can be found on our Facebook page.
If you, or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or visit www.pilgrimshospices.org to research our services or find out how you can support the hospices.
14th April 2022
Sponsor a Nurse appeal
None of us know when we might need hospice care, but your support has helped ensure we can continue to be here at the most difficult time in people’s lives.
Being faced with an illness that cannot be cured is something none of us want to think about, but we do all want to know that there will be someone to help us should we need them.
Since 2013, the Sponsor a Nurse appeal has raised an incredible £248,000 to support the care that Pilgrims Hospices offers.
Working within the hospice environment and meeting patients opens your eyes to what passion, empathy, dignity and respect truly mean. Working at Pilgrims gives us all time to appreciate what we have in our own lives, and puts the preciousness of life into perspective.
Beverley Allen, Community Registered General Nurse, Pilgrims Hospice Ashford
We take the time to listen
Sarah Martins
When a patient is referred to Pilgrims, we take the time to listen to and talk with them to find out what worries them most. We know that every patient is unique and we tailor all our care to what works best for them.
“I consider myself very privileged to support patients and their families at end of life; it underpins all that nursing is for me. We know that we can’t change the destination but we can change the journey.
Time, patience, specialist knowledge and humour keep us connected to our patients. We respect them as individuals and are able to connect on a human level, we give the care we would want and expect our loved ones to receive if they needed it and that is nearly all funded by the amazing general public.”
Sarah Martins, Senior Ward Sister, Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury
Bringing nurses to the bedside
Mandy Timms
Because we believe that everyone has the right to care, comfort, compassion and dignity in their final days, weeks, months or years, we provide all of our care free of charge.
“Pilgrims is a wonderful organisation to work for and I feel very privileged to come to work here every day. My role is so varied, involving community, clinic and home visits, and I never know what each day will bring. It is humbling spending time with patients who open their hearts and allow us to accompany them on their journeys.”
Mandy Timms, Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Giving the gift of care
Pilgrims is here so that patients do not come to their end-of-life journeys in pain or distress.
By sponsoring a nurse, our supporters have helped to ease pain, offer comfort, provide reassurance and help someone live their life to the full in the time that they have.
We support the whole person’s wellbeing to help them really live their last days. We treat people as individuals by offering them choices.
If you would like to continue supporting Pilgrims nurses, you can do so by joining Always Caring, a club of committed supporters who choose to make regular, monthly donations to Pilgrims Hospices.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
