Every year more than 900 people throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney receive support from the St Elizabeth Hospice’s therapy teams.
This service is delivered by a team of physiotherapist, occupational therapists and therapy assistants who support patients and families, across Ipswich and East Suffolk, facing life-limiting illness and help facilitate their independence and improve their quality of life.
Since 2019, Emily Gage has worked for St Elizabeth Hospice as a therapy team leader and physiotherapist. A split clinical and managerial role which sees her manage the hospice’s therapy team in Ipswich and East Suffolk, while also supporting patients directly as a physiotherapist herself.
“There really is no such thing as a typical day, which is something I enjoy best about my role,” explained Emily.
“My day can involve a variety of tasks, from service development work through to supporting colleagues, delivering patient assessments or providing patient support. It is very varied and interesting.
“I enjoy my team leader role as I find it rewarding to help staff with their development, while I am still able to use my core skills and provide clinical support to patients
“From a young age I wanted to be a physiotherapist. After completing my training, and graduating from the University of the West of England, Bristol, in 2001, I discovered I really loved working in rehabilitation; which would later help inform my decision to join St Elizabeth Hospice, as the hospice has such a strong palliative rehabilitation model.”
Emily’s first job, following her graduation, was at Ipswich Hospital, working as a junior rotational physiotherapist.
Following this, she then moved to University Hospital of Wales, where she specialised in neurological physiotherapy. After returning to Suffolk in 2012, to be closer to her family, Emily served in a number of hospital and community roles, including working independently, before joining the hospice in 2019.
“When I saw the hospice opportunity advertised, I immediately felt it would be a good match for me as I was particularly keen to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team again,” said Emily.
“What I love about St Elizabeth Hospice is the high level of care that we strive to achieve for patients, who we are privileged to support.
“Before working here I didn’t have a personal connection the hospice, however in recent years I have had loved ones who have received support from the hospice’s services and I am always happy to recommend St Elizabeth Hospice to family and friends if needed, as I know they will receive great care and support.
“We have a dynamic therapy team, who play positive roles in supporting patients and their families to improve their quality of life when they are going through significant changes in their lives, which gives great job satisfaction.
“St Elizabeth Hospice is a supportive organisation to work for. Much like the services we provide to patients and families under our care, the charity gives brilliant person-focused support to staff too, with plenty of opportunities to develop and learn.
“I am proud to work for such a positive organisation which delivers great care to patients and their families, and one that has touched the lives of so many living in my local community.”
For more information visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/how-we-can-help/hospice-care/therapies/