Jodie Hodgkinson – Virtual Ward Clinical Lead

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 Jodie Hodgkinson, who is a virtual ward clinical lead in the charity’s Community Team which also sees her work on our 24/7 advice phone line, OneCall.

“I really enjoy working in the community because you get a real sense of someone’s life and what they value – their character, their stories, their environment and the people they have around them,” said Jodie.

“Having the chance to get to know patients as people, helps us provide the holistic, compassionate care that we strive to give and receiving support at home is often where people feel the most comfortable which is so important to our team.

“I joined the hospice nearly a decade ago. Previously, I studied for a three-year nursing degree at University Campus Suffolk, completing placements at Ipswich Hospital and in the community.

“During my third year, I also had a placement at St Elizabeth Hospice, where I really discovered my passion and I haven’t looked back since.

“I’ve had many roles at the hospice across a variety of departments. I began as a registered nurse in the Day Unit, then worked on the Inpatient Unit before joining the Community Team, where I am now a virtual ward clinical lead.

“All my roles have brought their own challenges and opportunities, but each one has focused on ensuring we help patients and families receive the care and dignity they deserve.

“Similar to many people in the local community, I have my own personal hospice connection. While I was a student nurse, my grandad received support from the hospice’s Community Team before he died peacefully at home, under their care.

“At the time I remember thinking I wanted to be like the nurses who visited him. I could see the difference their care made and found it very inspiring.

“Now, here I am, in a role I feel so proud to have, providing support to patients and their families during life’s most challenging moments.

“Every day really is different. Typically, I start at 8am by checking for any updates from patients in the community overnight.

“At 9am, we hold a multidisciplinary team meeting, which gives us the chance to discuss any unmet needs and how we can best support patients that day, making sure their symptoms are managed correctly.

“My day then involves visiting patients in their place of care, whether that is at home, in a care home, or another care setting. These visits may be planned or reactive. I may also liaise with other members of the team to make sure patients receive the right support.

“Our Community Team provides a range of care to patients and their families, from personal care to emotional and spiritual support.

“We also work alongside our hospice therapy colleagues to ensure patients receive the appropriate equipment to allow them to be supported safely in their preferred care setting. While our community nurses focus on symptom management.

“Every member of the hospice team is committed to providing holistic care that meets the individual needs of each patient and their family.

“People often assume my job is very sad or difficult, but every day I witness so much love in the care our team provides patients and families. I feel very proud of the work we do, as I get to meet a lot of inspiring people every day – including those I have the pleasure of working alongside.

“Personally, I’ve always felt very strongly that people deserve the same care and attention at the end-of-life as they do at birth

“It is very rewarding to be trusted to support people and their loved ones through end-of-life, providing peace and comfort. It is something that motivates me each day, as it is a real honour to deliver compassionate care, when it matters most.

“Often, people feel anxious when they first approach the hospice for support, but they are usually surprised to find it is not as worrying as they expected.

“Our team is friendly and approachable, and we are here to help you and your loved ones live well during life’s most challenging times.”