Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Gloucestershire has appointed a new Head of Clinical Services.
Graham Stubbs, 56, has been in nursing for 36 years, becoming an Enrolled Nurse in 1988 and a Registered Nurse in 1996. He joins Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice after 22 years at St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol, working as a community nurse specialist, team manager, hospice at home lead and clinical access service manager.
Previously Graham worked as a nurse in the NHS, Royal Navy and with Marie Curie and Macmillan Cancer Support.
“Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court is a beautiful location and a wonderful hospice. I am really proud to be working here,” shares Graham following his appointment. “The hospice makes a huge difference to people’s lives and it has already made a difference to me as well.”
“Sue Ryder really puts the patient first across all of its services, which is really important and is the sort of organisation I want to work for and be part of.”
As Head of Clinical Services, Graham will be responsible for all of the clinical services delivered at the hospice, including the inpatient unit – the only specialist inpatient palliative care unit in Gloucestershire – virtual day hospice, hospice at home service, therapies team and education.
“My role is to ensure we operate to and maintain high standards of care and improve the quality of clinical services we offer,” shares Graham. “At Sue Ryder we want to improve all the time. I’m really looking forward to helping Sue Ryder give more care to more people in Gloucestershire.”
After many years working in the palliative care sector, Graham is keen to bust myths many people hold about hospices.
“Hospices can be viewed as dark, sombre and sad places because of the essence of what we are here for. But the reality is many people are admitted and then go home in a much better position than they were in before.”
“The atmosphere of a hospice is also very different to what people might expect. Staff are upbeat and positive. Humour can be found within hospices, which helps make life normal again.
“Hospices make such a huge difference. They can help people cope in an easier way with a certain amount of joy and happiness, affording people the time to celebrate life as well as grieve the loss of life.”
“I want people to know that hospices are fabulous places. We understand the fear some people have when they first come here, but then they see what it is like and they experience the total care offered by everyone here, from the volunteer gardeners who take such pride in their work right through to the hospice director. Everyone in that spectrum wants to be here and wants to make a difference.”
Palliative care is an area of nursing Graham has always been passionate about.
“In palliative care we can make such a difference to a person’s life and death. We all strive to have a good life but we should also be able to have a good death. With the extra time and care we can make such a difference to the quality and dignity of someone who is entering the end of their life, and it can make all the difference to them and their family.
“It is quite an honour to be able to help a person and help their relatives at this time of their lives. It is such a privilege, it really is.”
For more information on pursuing a career in palliative care with Sue Ryder visit www.sueryder.org/palliativecareers.
