It was one of history’s finest hours when the modern hospice movement put down roots in 1967. This was endorsed by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne at the official opening of Little Hulton, 30 years ago, in May 1979. Ward Sister Freda Conti has been a member of the nursing team at St Ann’s for nearly 30 years. She gives Guest Editor Belinda Hanks an insight into the day-to-day centre of excellence.

“Little Hulton is somewhere people come and feel at peace,“ states Freda. “Often they walk in and say ‘wow!’“

The entrance is welcoming: a beautiful chapel, an array of restful big brown sofas and a coffee shop. She entices us into the children’s playroom brimming with all kinds of colourful toys and a pool table. The room opens out onto a garden for youngsters to play outdoors. “Family is what St Ann’s is all about,“ affirms Freda. “The children love this room. And it’s wonderful for patients to see because it adds to the feeling of normality.”

Freda talks passionately about the little touches of care that make such a difference. “Families can have dinner together. Get a take-away. Watch a DVD. Just like they would at home.” And she speaks of the tremendous motivation of all the staff. “I love seeing the doctors, kitchen staff, volunteers, fundraisers and maintenance, all working together.”

“St Ann’s is such an important part of the community,“ affirms Freda. “You see collecting boxes everywhere and we have so many wonderful volunteers.”

Freda reels off names of many high profile people who have visited over the years. We stop a minute to look at a picture of Z-car actor Robert Keegan (Sgt Blackitt) whose family funded the conservatory in his memory. “They still come and visit here when they can,“ smiles Freda.

It’s clear the work here is not just with physical health but also with emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being. Freda shows off dedicated therapy rooms: a corner of tranquility surrounded by low ambient lighting. “I’m a big believer in holistics,“ she asserts. “Something like reflexology can sometimes make the difference that medication can’t.”

Evolution

“It’s so different here now,“ comments Freda. “Years ago people thought we were more like a nursing home. But hospice care has changed – patients with complex needs come for specialist pain and symptom control and we help them get back home, and get on with their life as much as they can. People want to stay at home longer. But we still look after them in their final days.”

“We have to concern ourselves with the quality of life as well as its length.” Dame Cicely Saunders
Founder of the modern UK hospice movement

Day therapy has changed over the years as well and now includes a variety of outpatient services on all three sites. For example complementary therapies, occupational therapy, art therapy, counselling, physiotherapy and lymphoedema treatment.

The demands of constant innovations are something Freda embraces, taking courses to develop her skills. And the Hospice’s commitment to excellence – especially its plans to become a practice development centre – she believes only “adds to our strengths.”

Being human

Freda certainly enjoys her work. “It’s rewarding, but emotional. You wouldn’t be human if it didn’t affect you.”

She glances at the personal remembrances in the chapel commenting: “You think people are coping. You read these and realise how much they need this place. I love making a difference. But it’s a big team effort.” The most important thing, she confesses, is a sense of humour. “It’s nice to hear nurses laughing.”

She embodies the ethos of St Ann’s perfectly. And because of people like Freda, Little Hulton is exactly what Dame Cicely Saunders intended. Not just a place, but a holistic approach to caring for all. An official 30th anniversary celebration will take place in October.

Read more about the history of St Ann’s Hospice.

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