Hospice nurse gave 25 years of support

NATALIE Hands - retiring from Francis House Hospice

A FRANCIS House nursing stalwart is retiring after a quarter of a century.

Clinical lead at the children's hospice, Natalie Hands, is saying goodbye after 25 years to the place where she was known for much more than her nursing role.

Natalie, from Stockport, joined Francis House when there were only four other children's hospices in the UK in 1991.

As well as her medical duties, her experiences led her and colleagues to set up a support group for the siblings of the children and young people cared for at Francis House.

Speaking of when she first arrived she said: "It was just amazing, a lovely, homely setting and all about the care of the whole family."

There are seven children's bedrooms at the Didsbury-based hospice and seven double family bedrooms to give parents a well-earned rest.

She says working alongside families has been a real highlight.

On one occasion she remembers comforting a young girl in the middle of the night. Natalie said she discovered the next day from the child's mother that she had held her in exactly the same way that she did and it was a huge relief to know she was in such good hands when they weren't there .

"In hospital that just wouldn't have happened as there wouldn't have been anybody there with the time to do that," said Natalie.

She said the children who came to Francis House in those early days had life-limiting conditions that are still found today, but their life expectancy was shorter.

Big strides have been made in the medical interventions now available during her time at Francis House including, she says, gastrostomies and tracheotomies that help with swallowing and breathing problems, meaning less chest infections that previously resulted in an earlier death.

Natalie developed an interest in bereavement support, in particular support for the siblings, whilst caring for the four-year-old sister of one of the first children to die at Francis House,

"The mum and dad were understandably absorbed with the child who was dying, and I could see what it was taking out of them," she said. "I spent time playing with her little sister, listening to her it opened my eyes to what it must be like for the siblings."

Many years later at a memory day, the family came back. Now a teenager, the sister shared her precious memories and the pair talked for hours.

Natalie and a group of colleagues set up the "Shining Stars" bereaved siblings support group in 2000 as a consequence.

"Working with bereaved brothers and sisters and helping them to understand grief is so important for their future lives," she added.

"I've worked with remarkable colleagues and met extraordinary families, there will always be part of Francis House in my heart."

Chief executive of Francis House, The Rev David Ireland, paid tribute to her work.

"After 25 years with us at Francis House we are sad to say goodbye to Natalie," he said. "We thank her for passion and dedication. She will be missed by colleagues and the children and families alike."

Francis House is currently seeking people to join its care team. Visit the staff page at www.francishouse.org.uk.