Donna Creasey – Inpatient Unit Healthcare Assistant & Zest Activity Coordinator

Annually, St Elizabeth Hospice cares for more than 4,000 patients and their families throughout East & Mid Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

This care sees the independent Suffolk charity providing free services – whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice – to those living with a progressive or life-limiting illness.

One member of the clinical team is Donna Creasey, who is a healthcare assistant on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Ipswich and an activity coordinator for its young adult service, Zest.

“I have worked in care for 25 years across a range of settings before joining St Elizabeth Hospice, including hospital wards, surgery, intensive care and community roles in care homes and private homes,” explained Donna, who joined the team in 2022.

“Working for St Elizabeth Hospice appealed to me because I felt I could make a difference to people’s lives when compassionate care matters most. Being part of a team providing such care to people with life-limiting illnesses allows me to offer kindness and reassurance to their families at a challenging time.

“At the heart of our work is a shared commitment to offering comfort, dignity and respect during life’s most challenging times. Our goal is for all patients and their loved ones to feel safe, respected and cared for.

“A typical day usually begins with a handover from the previous shift, sharing updates on patients’ conditions and care needs. This helps us provide the best possible support throughout the day.

“As a healthcare assistant, I help manage symptoms, provide personal care, support mobility and ensure patients are comfortable with meals, drinks and repositioning.

“A key part of my role is building relationships with patients and their loved ones, offering emotional support by listening and talking. Building relationships allows me to make a positive difference, even in small ways. Sometimes, simply listening or being present is enough.

“As well as working on the Inpatient Unit, I always work as an activity coordinator for the charity’s young adult service, Zest, which I absolutely love.

“Zest is just such a fun and welcoming place full of laughter, where you really get to know the young adults, their personalities, sense of humour and their families too.

“A core element of Zest is helping the young adults, who are living with complex needs, to live life to the full, which I do by working with the team to create a range of enjoyable activities.

“Whether it’s trips to the seaside, creating crafts, hosting a disco or inclusive sports, there is always something new to enjoy.

“Seeing the smiles on the young adults’ faces is incredibly rewarding and motivates me every day to do what I do.

“I’m proud to be part of the St Elizabeth Hospice and Zest teams making a real difference in our local community.

“Suffolk is a small place, and so many people have a connection to the charity, whether through family, friends or colleagues.

“Everyone you meet has such kind words to say about the impact it has on people’s lives and hearing these words really make you understand why you enjoy the job that you do.”