5 minutes with… Lisa Corbett, Safeguarding Lead at St Ann’s Hospice

What attracted you to work at St Ann’s? 

My first experience of St Ann’s was as a community Social Worker. I visited several times to support with discharge planning. The depth of compassion and dedication shown by all the staff always struck me, and the welcoming atmosphere.         

I also have a personal connection to St Ann’s, as my brother was cared for at St Ann’s Hospice. It was truly comforting to know that he and his family were so well cared for at the end of his life.      

When an opportunity to work at the hospice arose, I instantly knew it was a place I wanted to work. I have been extremely fortunate to work at the hospice for nearly 9 years. I’m Team Leader of the Patient and Family Support Team and also Safeguarding Lead at the Hospice. 

What does safeguarding mean? 

Safeguarding is about keeping people safe from harm, abuse and neglect. It is about supporting individuals to make their own choices and promoting the wellbeing of the person, making sure we treat people as individuals and take into account their thoughts, feelings, wishes and beliefs. 

What does your role as Safeguarding Lead involve? 

St Ann’s Hospice takes its safeguarding responsibilities very seriously. We make every effort to make sure we provide safe and effective care. My role as the Safeguarding Lead is to help ensure the Hospice continues to provide excellent care and is a safe setting for patients, families, staff and volunteers. 

My role includes:         

• Ensuring our safeguarding policies and procedures are up to date. 
• Making sure patients and their families, staff and volunteers know what to do if they have a safeguarding concern. 
• Training all staff to understand the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect 
• Providing support and advice to all staff and volunteers regarding policy, procedure and their responsibilities in safeguarding.    

• Managing safeguarding concerns and liaising with partner agencies such as Social Services and the NHS.   
• Maintaining and reviewing St Ann’s strategic plan for safeguarding. 
• Supporting an honest and open culture at the hospice.  

What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?  

I have a degree in Fine Art and before training to become a Social Worker I worked as an Artist. I gained grant sponsorship from North West Arts to provide Art sessions in the community and discovered that I had a passion for working with people.   

What do you like to do when you’re not at work? 

I love taking my dog Isla on long walks, especially if there is opportunity for a pint of the local brew in a cosy country pub…however we invariably only get to sit outside the pub as she’s a bit of mucky pup!