Published 23 January 2018
East Kent Hospitals has formed a partnership with Pilgrims Hospices that is improving end-of-life care across the Trust’s hospital sites.
The project was funded thanks to a legacy donation from the family of past Kent and Canterbury Hospital senior matron and Pilgrims trustee Pat Morley with Macmillan End of Life Clinical Nurse Specialist Facilitators funded by Macmillan Cancer Support.Pat Morley worked tirelessly to promote excellent nursing within the profession she loved. She also volunteered for many years as a trustee of Pilgrims Hospices, where her experience was invaluable.
Wendy added: “Together with East Kent Hospitals, we are delighted with the success of the Compassion Project throughout east Kent’s hospital wards, so we can support as many people as possible to live well until the very last moment of their life.”
The Compassion symbol is displayed on wards when a person is expected to die within the next few hours, days – or when a person has just died. Its display is to encourage an atmosphere of quiet and respect at this significant time.
Andrea Reid, who lives in Folkestone, gained first-hand experience of the positive impact of the compassion symbol when her aunt was cared for by East Kent Hospitals.
She said: “The care and compassion shown to my aunt and her family when she was being cared for in hospital were clearly evident from the moment that I first visited, took a seat and held her hand.
“Once my family had all arrived and those difficult but sensitive discussions had taken place, a bed in a side room was found so we could visit and stay the night without worrying about disturbing the other patients on the ward.
“As if by magic, the Compassion symbol appeared at the doorway. I quickly realised that this small unassuming sign was making a big difference to those approaching the room.
“Despite being near the ward entrance, there didn’t seem to be much general disturbance as staff from porters to doctors went quietly about their daily business. The nursing staff all hesitated at the door, explained why they needed to come in and gave us time to either leave the room or move out of the way with a calm, unhurried air.
“The cleaners ensured that the room was kept hygienic and pleasant without being intrusive. At one point the consultant reviewed my aunt from the doorway as there was no need for any hands-on intervention at that time and so with quiet respect and a gentle nod he checked that all was well and moved on.
“The difference that this made to us all, my aunt included, was only really evident on reflection afterwards. Such was the discretion and respect afforded to us that the care and general day to day business of the ward almost faded into the background as we sat and chatted about old times and even celebrated my aunt’s 80th birthday the day before she died.
“We were able to take up the space within the room without feeling that we were in the way, talk freely, laugh together and have quiet moments of reflection all in the knowledge that the staff were there if we needed them but without unnecessary intrusion. Quality time that we were really able to make the most of.
"I think that our hospital staff are often working in a pressured and high-speed environment but the small and unassuming Compassion symbol is just enough to trigger a pause and a moment’s consideration for those dealing with the worst news possible and to give staff the permission not to intrude on those valuable last moments unnecessarily but to be discreetly available as the need arises. My impression was that this was embraced by staff at all levels.”
Improving end of life care is one of the Trust’s key priorities for improving the quality of care in its hospitals. In its report of 2017, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) noted a ‘significant improvement’ in the end-of-life of pathways across East Kent Hospitals.
Following its launch in June 2017 the Compassion Project has been rolled out on nine wards across the Trust.
Since then it has gradually been cascaded to over 880 staff in more than 50 clinical wards and departments where patients who are dying, and their families, are being cared for.
All staff, those in clinical and other roles, who come into contact with patients and families at this difficult time are being given training in the use of the Compassion Symbol. They are also being encouraged to ensure it becomes part of the normal ward routine and culture when caring for our patients and their families.
Education project lead for Pilgrims Hospices, Annie Hogben, said: “How a loved one dies can have a profound and long-lasting impact on those who are left behind. Therefore it’s essential that staff and visitors are sensitive to the needs of the person who is dying, and their loved ones at all times.
“The Compassion Project and its symbol represent a patient-focused and relative-focused approach to end-of-life care. This acknowledges clinical reality, but also ensures that we never neglect dignity, compassion and emotional needs.
“The collaborative working over these past months has been very rewarding for everyone taking part. Staff at the Trust have really embraced the project, using their own ideas and creativity to help make this a success. Ultimately, thanks to everyone’s commitment we have made a huge difference for patients and their families.”
Posters have been displayed throughout the hospital wards and departments to let the public know more about the project and the use of the symbol.
Gifts in wills are incredibly important to Pilgrims Hospices. They pay for the care of an amazing one in four the people the hospice supports each year. This February 2018, solicitor firms from across east Kent will kindly be donating their time and expertise to write wills for free, in return for a donation to Pilgrims. www.pigrimshospices.org/makeawill
Macmillan provides vital support to the Trust by funding and supporting the teams of Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialists along with the two Macmillan End of Life Clinical Nurse Specialist Facilitators to provide clinical leadership, education and direct staff support in order to improve and maintain the highest standards of End Of Life Care for all dying patients and their families on the wards across EKHUFT. You can support the work of Macmillan here www.macmillan.org.uk/donate
