Paralympic gold medalist pays visit to St Ann’s Hospice for open discussion on end-of-life care
Gregg Stevenson was given a tour of the Heald Green site and spoke with an inpatient
Paralympian gold medal rower, Gregg Stevenson paid St Ann’s Hospice a visit as he has an interest in health inequalities as he is currently studying at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Gregg was greeted by Director of Clinical Services, Emma Dixon; Head of Clinical Services, Emma Barclay; Rehab Team Lead, Frances Brown; Head of Fundraising, Anne-Marie Wynn; Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Bobby Magee; and Occupational Therapist, Jody Lee Jones.
As Gregg is interested in the treatment of individuals in end-of-life care, the hospice staff held open and honest discussions about their experiences with treating people with life-limiting illnesses and health inequalities in palliative care. He was also given a tour of the Heald Green hospice where he met with an inpatient
Gregg who is from Lancashire, lost both of his legs in an explosion while serving as a Royal Engineer Commando in Afghanistan 15 years ago.
I have an interest in health inequalities as I am studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. So, I’ve come here today to learn more about how we treat people in end-of-life care, and the word for me today that sums up my experience is dignity, treating people with dignity. We’ve been talking about a sense of belonging and identity and it’s just been an incredible experience, and I am really excited to see the work that is going to be happening in the future. Gregg Stevenson, Paralympic Gold Medalist
Director of Clinical Services at St Ann’s Hospice Emma Dixon was “delighted” to welcome Gregg to St Ann’s.
“Gregg has spoken with us about the inspirational work that he has done, not only as a rower, but with NHS England, and the Veterans across the North-West, and I am really excited to work with Gregg moving forward in the future, and hopefully get his support with our new build,” Emma said.
Jody Lee Jones took part in an open discussion with Gregg at the Hospice following his arrival.
“Today, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with Gregg Stevenson, and I’ve been able to share a patient story focusing on our rehab approach here at the Hospice, which links in with Gregg’s own journey, focusing on belonging and identity and how important that is for the people that we work with,” Jody said.
Bobby Magee said it was a “great opportunity” to meet Gregg.
“Gregg has been telling us about his life journey and his rehab focus and what got him to think about how he can improve not only as an individual but also how he can link that into the work he is currently doing with his Masters and his PhD, also linking in with the support he is doing for Veterans at the moment. There are loads of similarities and differences between what we can do and it’s about how we can link up and move together with all those connections in the future,” Bobby said.