RJAH secures funding to expand end-of-life care for patients

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) has secured funding to appoint a full-time End-of-Life Specialist Nurse, enhancing compassionate care for patients, families and staff across the hospital.

Although most patients at RJAH recover from their treatments, there are occasions when end-of-life care is needed. Together with the adoption of the Swan Model of Care, the appointment of a dedicated End-of-Life Specialist Nurse will ensure that all patients, families, and staff receive the highest standard of support.

The funding, provided by the Charles Walker Charitable Trust alongside support from the Lady Forester Trust, the Much Wenlock Forester Trust, and RJAH Charity, will allow the hospital to expand its palliative care provision beyond the Montgomery Unit to the wider hospital.

Victoria Sugden, Charity Director at RJAH, said: "We are delighted to have secured this funding. Providing specialist palliative care is essential for the wellbeing of our patients, their families, and our healthcare teams.

“With this support we can ensure that everyone at RJAH receives the best possible care during life’s most difficult moments."

Sarah Needham, Interim Chief Nurse and Patient Safety Officer, said: “We are really proud as an organisation to be able to further enhance the care we provide for patients with palliative needs or those who are sadly at the end of their life.

“This funding allows us to strengthen the support and compassion we offer to patients and their families during such important moments.”

The End-of-Life Specialist Nurse will develop and deliver a hospital-wide training package for healthcare professionals, ensuring all staff are equipped to manage end-of-life situations with compassion and professionalism, and work with the wider hospital community to offer advance care planning for patients who have additional needs

Karen Shepherd, Trust Lead in End of Life and Palliative Care, said: “I am delighted that work advocated through the trust Steering Committee and RJAH Charity has resulted in the creation of a vital role.”

Geraint Davies, Lead Cancer Practitioner, added: “We are immensely grateful to the Charitable Trusts for their recognition of the need, financial assistance, and support of RJAH’s patients.”

Recruitment for the role has now begun, with the hospital aiming to have the End-of-Life Specialist Nurse in post as soon as possible.