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Staff nurses are a breath of fresh air, and need more people to join their team


By Imogen James

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The staff nurses.
The staff nurses.

Behind the scenes of fundraising and events for the Highland Hospice, caring is a fundamental part of their service.

My day there reminded me how brilliant health care workers can be, with staff nurses at the hospice illustrating that beautifully.

The inpatient unit beside the River Ness cares for a range of people, from end-of-life patients, short-term care and symptom management.

The kind and caring work is carried out by a team of people, from cooks and housekeeping, to nurses and doctors. Each person is instrumental.

Housekeeper Tom Mackenzie described the unit as a “wonderful place” with “fantastic colleagues”.

Tom Mackenzie. Picture: Callum Mackay
Tom Mackenzie. Picture: Callum Mackay

He could not have been more right.

The peaceful ward is welcoming and homely, and a nurse is never far away.

Not only do the staff care for their patients, they also have a supportive colleague network where they look out for one another and have plenty of fun.

What is most striking about the unit is the positivity – the nurses are happy people who provide loving care. They bring a light to what can be a dark situation.

Grace Naulls in the day room. Picture: Callum Mackay
Grace Naulls in the day room. Picture: Callum Mackay

One such nurse is Grace Naulls, who enjoys the hands-on care she provides. We chatted in the day room, which is a place where patients can go and relax, to get out of bed when they want a change of scenery.

The floor to ceiling windows offer light and wonder. Getting to know the patients and their families is one of the best parts of Ms Naulls’ job.

The work is varied – no one day is the same, and no day is without a laugh.

Marion Irving has been with the hospice for more than 17 years. She works as a cook and enjoys seeing the patients and getting to know people.

Cook Marion Irving who has been at the hospice for more than 17 years. Picture: Callum Mackay
Cook Marion Irving who has been at the hospice for more than 17 years. Picture: Callum Mackay

Staff also offer a range of therapies, including aromatherapy, massage, reflexology and mindfulness.

Megan Urquhart, who delivers the therapies, spoke warmly about her role. She enjoys helping people find comfort in the treatments they were once nervous about.

Megan Urquhart performing a therapy. Picture: Callum Mackay
Megan Urquhart performing a therapy. Picture: Callum Mackay

Charge nurse Susan Ross could not speak highly enough of her team or work, and her attitude towards them is a shining example of what a leader should look like.

Charge nurse Susan Ross. Picture: Callum Mackay
Charge nurse Susan Ross. Picture: Callum Mackay

Ms Ross encourages people to join their close-knit team, bringing with them experience, compassion and most importantly, a smile.

To be part of this inspiring team, visit the website.


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