A HOSPICE has a new face at the head of its community services.

Former clinical nurse specialist Sharon Watson has taken-up the role at Manorlands.

She qualified as a nurse in 2007 and has been with Sue Ryder, which runs the Oxenhope hospice, for a decade.

As community services manager, her role involves strategically managing the hospice’s day services, community team and end-of-life care facilitator based at Airedale Hospital in Steeton.

"At the start of the pandemic our day services became fully virtual and this is something the team has continued successfully for the past two years," said Sharon.

"Although we are delighted to now be offering face-to-face sessions once again, we have decided to continue with one virtual session a week to cater for patients who find the journey to the hospice difficult either because they are very unwell or live in a rural location.

"The day services team also provides creative activities and gym sessions with physiotherapists, and will be introducing educational nurse-led ‘living well’ sessions covering topics such as diet, sleep and managing symptoms."

The hospice’s community team comprises eight Sue Ryder nurses, who provide expert palliative care and support to people at home across Airedale, Wharfedale, Craven and parts of Bradford. On average the team receives between 45 and 60 referrals a month, and has 120 to 160 patients on its collective caseload at any one time.

Sharon says that one of the biggest challenges she faces is raising awareness of the service amongst hard-to-reach groups.

"The area we cover is very diverse and comes with its own challenges," she said.

"There are people who don’t access our services for various reasons and we want to let them know that we are here for them. Everybody deserves the same care, and we want to provide a fair and equal service to make sure everyone can have a good death."

Sharon adds: "From my first day at Manorlands I have always told people that I have the best job in the world. It pays its price on my heart strings, and sometimes they do snap, but they mend back together.

"Working in palliative care we have one chance to get it right, and when you do you feel proud to be a palliative care nurse.

"I am looking forward to seeing how I can make the service better and continue to provide more care for more people."