It takes a particular kind of person to support terminally ill patients at the end of life. Mike Crutchley goes behind the scenes to find out more about the special staff really making a difference at Bury Hospice

Arriving at the in-patient unit, it is difficult not to be struck by a sense of calm.

This is a medical ward, with highly trained staff, but it has a very welcoming atmosphere in which patients and their families are looked after with compassion and dignity.

Each of the eight private rooms on the ward resemble those of a luxury hotel. Each has its own balcony and a view of the Japanese garden, and medical equipment is discretely hidden.

This a complete change to the district nursing rounds clinical lead Annette Bades was responsible for just nine weeks ago.

Having made the switch, she knows what a difference she is already helping to make.

She said: “As a district nurse, you could be dealing with a leg wound or an illness and there was end-of-life care, but this is completely different.

“It is so specialised and takes an holistic approach to a patient’s illness, as well as the wellbeing of their family. People are treated with compassion, dignity throughout and we are able to spend time identifying what a patient wants and needs and, working with them and their family to do whatever we can to make it happen.

“As well as the medical side, we offer emotional and psychological support which helps people through this difficult time.”

Mrs Bades believes it is the specialist, individual care the hospice provides that makes it stand out.

She said: “It is very rewarding supporting people at the end of their life and, being part of the specialist team at the hospice, we know we are making a difference.

“We care for people as individuals and treat them with respect and dignity. Every single patient is different and we support them in any way we can.

“It is not just care, it is building trust and a relationship with the patient and their families that makes such a difference.”

It is a sentiment echoed by other staff.

Healthcare assistant Kay Byrne, who has raised thousands of pounds for the hospice by running marathons and other races, said: “My dad died here in June. I went from being staff to being a relative and that gave me a completely different insight.

“I can honestly say that what they do here is amazing. It really made me appreciate how good the IPU team is and I am so proud to be part of that team.”

Inpatient team leader Rhona Kallee, who put her best foot forward for this year’s Strictly event, said: “We have a great team.

"We provide excellent end-of-life, holistic care to the whole family, not just the patient.

“It is a happy place and we do our utmost to make sure patients get what they need. It has a homely feel and people really appreciate that, especially at a difficult time.”