A day in the life...Kate, our Physiotherapist

Hello, my name is Kate, and I am a Physiotherapist at Dove House

I first joined the hospice in September 2023 as a therapy assistant.
For the six years prior to this I worked as a Teaching Assistant. However, I previously trained and worked as a Physiotherapist. Having given up my Physiotherapy, I later found that I missed healthcare work and felt my best skills were not being utilized. 
Whilst working as a Therapy Assistant, I was very fortunate to be able to work through the National Return to Practice Scheme for Professions Allied to Medicine. This was a fantastic opportunity for me, and I have recently regained my registration and been able to work here as a Chartered Physiotherapist. It is great to have my ‘stripes’ back and I’m so grateful to the Profession for offering such a route, and to Dove House for supporting me. 


For many years I thought that working at Dove House might suit me. Previously I had some great experience working in a close health-professional team giving bespoke, patient-centered care. I knew I wanted to work in that way again and Dove House reflects that approach. It’s such a privilege to work in this way with patients with life-limiting illnesses. To work as a Therapy Assistant at the hospice was the perfect opportunity for me to work back in the health and therapy world which then later lead to me becoming a Physiotherapist at Dove House.

My initial impressions were of the hospice were calmness, warmth and friendliness of all the many different staff who work here. That has not changed, and it is such a pleasure to come to work in a place like this every day.
I feel it’s a combination of the caring, friendly and committed staff coupled with all the expertise in Palliative Care across the team that makes Dove House special. In addition, the team work very hard to achieve the patient’s special goals and this leads to the wonderful and sometimes extraordinary work that goes on here.
I look forward to working with all my like-minded and dynamic colleagues to help patients make the very best of their last days, weeks or months.  I am very proud that we look after the relatives as well and I really enjoy getting to know them and supporting them as much as I can.

The standout moments for me are those when I work with my colleagues on a challenging task that provides a meaningful outcome or event for the patient. This might involve transferring a patient to a chair and taking them into the wonderful outside space here. Or it might be to help a patient walk to see our huge Christmas Tree, light a candle or visit the reception shop. Other moments might be helping a patient sit in a chair for when their family visit, have a shower or attend one of our social groups.
It is also very rewarding to give a hand massage to a patient and to see that they are getting quality, uninterrupted space to relax and gain a sense of wellbeing. It’s then wonderful to hear them say how lovely it was.

A typical day for me looks like some admin tasks firstly, then I attend our multi-disciplinary handover about our inpatients here. The therapy team then discuss and allocate each patient. Then it’s our huddle which is a quick safety meeting with domestic, catering and maintenance staff. I then see my patients, or work with my physio colleagues, to provide therapy to improve their movement, strength, independence and function. This is always aligned with what’s meaningful for the patient and is often alongside a relative or friend. I also talk to patients, chat with relatives, do hand massages, make cups of tea and step in if staff need an extra hand with physical tasks. We all help each other – it’s a great team!

Having not worked in specialist Palliative Care before, I am so pleased to have learnt so much, got to know the wonderful staff here and seen the difference we all make to patients. Working here is what I had hoped for and more.
 
Working at a hospice can have its emotional times when days/patients are harder than others. Without a doubt it is the team which helps me cope with some of the challenging aspects of the job. There are many people around here who understand that occasionally challenges, both personal and professional, pop up and it is invaluable to know we have that support. Otherwise, it’s singing in a mass choir and fresh air for me!