Eilish Clarkson – Registered Nurse on our Inpatient Unit

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 hospice’s clinical team is Eilish Clarkson, who is a registered nurse on the charity’s inpatient unit in Ipswich.

“Working as a nurse for St Elizabeth Hospice is such a rewarding job, I don’t think people realise how working for the hospice makes you feel,” said Eilish Clarkson, who joined the team in 2023.

“Often they assume it is a depressing place to be, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are sad days, but the good days far outweigh these.

“Helping patients and families during their precious remaining time together, to create memories that will last for the rest of their lives, is a privilege and I could never put a value on this.

“Simple things like making breakfast or a cup of tea for patients and their families, can make a real positive impact.

“While we provide medical support, we also focus on personal care—such as ensuring families have food at the hospice so they don’t need to leave their loved one to run to the shop to get food. This way, they can spend as much time together as they need.

“Often, we help patients with personal care such as hair washing, doing their make up or even painting their nails, small acts like this can make a big difference and really help with mental wellbeing.

“It is a cliché, but every day is different. As a registered nurse, my day can see me providing medication to patients, consulting with doctors on how best to support the people under our care, and taking the time to get to know patients and their families to know them as people. This helps us understand how best we can provide holistic care tailored to meet their needs.  

“Prior to joining St Elizabeth Hospice I studied to be a nurse at University of Suffolk and actually studied alongside Chantelle McCormack, who I now work with on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit. It has been so nice to study and now work together, and support each other on our journeys.

“I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare. When I completed my first degree in child and youth studies, my great aunt and uncle both received fantastic care from the hospice. In fact, the carp which can be seen in the hospice pond today used to belong to my great uncle and were donated to the hospice in his memory.

“From personal experience, I understand the difference the hospice made to my family when we needed support, which makes me so proud to now work for this brilliant charity

“We really want everyone under our care to know they can ask us any questions they may have. It is important to have these relationships, as this understanding allows us to deliver person-focused, compassionate care.

“I love my work and I would recommend the hospice’s services to anyone who thinks they could benefit from the team’s support. Approaching the hospice for support means you can access services which can you help and your loved one live well.”