Ashgate Hospicecare is looking for more nurses and healthcare assistants to consider a career at the hospice as it continues to respond to the COVID pandemic both at its inpatient unit at Old Brompton and in the community.

The charity, which provides specialist end-of-life care to patients with complex palliative care needs across North Derbyshire, is looking to fill several clinical roles, including registered nurses and healthcare assistants.

Hayley Wardle, Director of Quality and Patient Care at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the professionalism and dedication shown by our nursing teams during the pandemic.

“They have worked tirelessly to care for patients and their families across North Derbyshire and to support their colleagues in the NHS. That is why recruitment has never been more crucial, as we respond to the rising demands of COVID-19 and look to keep our existing services going.

“A career at Ashgate Hospicecare is an incredibly rewarding one as you are able to make a real difference to the lives of those living with a life limiting illness. There’s a real sense of unity at Ashgate where everyone goes out of their way to support each other.”

The recruitment campaign, We are Ashgate, will share real stories from Ashgate nurses about what working for Ashgate is really like. The campaign features a video which takes the audience on a whistle stop tour of the award-winning 21-bedded Inpatient Unit and Ward
Sister, Lynsey Bowes, describes what it is like to work at Ashgate.

“Working at Ashgate is such a privilege,” said Lynsey. “I think a lot of people assume the hospice is a sad place to work, and although there are moments of sadness, it is also a place filled with joy, love and comfort.

“The great thing about Ashgate is that we are always striving to be known as specialists in palliative care and this status opens up a world of developmental opportunities. It is a forward-thinking organisation that encourages you to progress your training and enhance your skills.

“And if all that wasn’t enough, you will be working with an incredible bunch of people who come together to support one another when needed.”

Ashgate Hospicecare boasts many employee benefits including a free Westfield Health cash plan, free onsite parking, generous annual leave entitlement and an attractive pension scheme.

Ashgate is also looking for individuals to help continue their outstanding work on supporting staff and volunteer wellbeing, something the charity has been praised for since the start of the pandemic.

At Ashgate Hospicecare, the term ‘wellbeing’ is more than just a knee jerk reaction to the pandemic, it is an intrinsic part of the organisation’s culture and is spearheaded by their Chief Executive, Barbara-Anne Walker.

Barbara-Anne said: “There is no getting away from the fact that this is an incredibly difficult time for everyone working on the frontline. What we can do is ensure that support is readily available when it is needed.

“I am proud to work for an organisation that genuinely cares about its staff and volunteers and supports them through a number of wellbeing programmes. Here at Ashgate, we have a number of initiatives including confidential helplines and regular team get togethers.

“We have also extended our wellbeing support to Chesterfield Royal Hospital and have been commissioned to deliver the wellbeing programme there.”

Find out more about a career at Ashgate Hospicecare: www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/jobs