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Theme: Staff and volunteers

St Ann’s shortlisted for international award

October 28, 2021 | 8:00am

St Ann’s has been shortlisted for ‘The Third Sector Award’ in The Investors in People (IiP) Awards 2021. The Investors in People Awards celebrate the very best organisations and individuals from around the world, across various  people, wellbeing and leadership categories. 

Each year hundreds of organisations from the UK and abroad battle it out to take home one of the sought-after trophies to show their award-winning commitment to investing in their people. This year was a record-breaking year for entries, with nearly three hundred organisations involved. 


We’re so proud to be shortlisted for this award, particularly in our 50th birthday year and after working through such a challenging 18 months. 
Our teams have worked tirelessly on the front line to make sure our patients stay safe, and we can continue to provide the support they need.  We’ve not only continued providing world-class care during this period, we’ve also evolved and grown many of our services to meet the increased and ever-changing needs of our patients. We wouldn’t be here without the amazing hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers, and I’m so proud to have been shortlisted for this award in recognition of that.


Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive at St Ann’s Hospice


Now in our 8th year, it always makes me feel immensely proud to see so many fantastic organisations staking their claim to be the best. And every year, the entries do get more and more competitive and the judging even tighter. Reaching the final shortlist is a testament to the amazing commitment these organisations are making to make work better for their people, and they truly deserve this recognition.


Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People

The award winners will be announced at an online ceremony on the 23rd November 2021. 

Join our team

If you’d like to join our passionate, committed and dedicated team, take a look at our current job vacancies.

Jobs at St Ann’s




Manchester Flower Show plants get a new home at our hospice

August 17, 2021 | 9:48am

Flowers from this year’s Manchester Flower Show have been given a brand new home at St Ann’s. 

Many of the blooms which made up the eye-catching displays in the city centre last month have been donated to us so that they can be planted in our grounds for patients and their loved ones to enjoy. 

We took part in the Manchester Flower Show for the first time this year as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations. Our hospices in Little Hulton and Heald Green both have beautiful outside spaces for families to relax in. 

The plants from the show have been replanted into the hospice gardens by some of our many volunteers who maintain the outdoor areas for patients to enjoy. 


The gardens at our hospice sites are so incredibly important, whether for patients to spend some time in the fresh air, carers or family members to take some time out in a relaxed setting, or for staff or volunteers to have a break too. We’re really appreciative of the plant donations and they’re looking fabulous in the gardens – it’s so great we’re able to put them to such good use and make sure they continue to bloom after so many people have enjoyed them as part of the show.


Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive

The hospice’s own Manchester Flower Show garden on King Street in Manchester City Centre this year, featured forget-me-nots and other flowers planted in raised beds crafted from pallets used to deliver PPE in the past year.  

It was created by a team of volunteer gardeners, creative therapists and Girlguiding volunteers, under the direction of hospice supporter and garden designer Maria Stripling, and visual artist and designer Lynne Duric.  


Manchester leads the way in so many areas, and as a hospice we’re proud to lead the way too, providing world-class care from right here in this amazing city. It was such a joy to be part of the Manchester Flower Show and people were really surprised by our garden too, as it tried to dispel many of the myths that exist around hospice care. People are often scared of the word hospice and unsure what we do, so it’s really exciting to have been part of such an exciting initiative in the city.


Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive

Spotlight on… our Lymphoedema Team

March 3, 2021 | 10:01am

Lymphoedema is a swelling which can occur in any part of the body. Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system does not drain properly. This can be for various reasons such as genetic conditions, traumas, vascular problems and cancer and it’s treatments. 

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition, which means that unfortunately currently there is no cure. But our Lymphoedema Team help patients to manage their symptoms, reduce swellings and reduce the risk of the condition getting worse. 

We’re proud to have a dedicated team of specialists who work hard to support people living with lymphoedema.

This Lymphoedema Week (1st – 6th March), we wanted to celebrate Fiona, Lucie and Lisa in our Lymphoedema Team by sharing some of the brilliant feedback we’ve received from patients and other organisations we work with…  

A card to the Lymphoedema Team which is handwritten and reads: I would especially like to thank Fiona, Lucy & Lisa the Lymphoedema Team for the work they have done with me all through the pandemic. Their proficiency, kindness and cheerfulness has and continues to help me get through it all. My donation is my way of thanking them. Please pass on my thanks to them. Best wishes.

“I’ve got my mobility back and am much more active now. I don’t have as many leg appointments any more, so I’ve got more time to do things I enjoy. Me and my wife are even thinking about going away on holiday for the first time in years. I feel like I’ve got my life back.”

Dennis
Retired taxi driver and patient  

 You can read Dennis’ full story online on the Legs Matter website.


Fiona, Lisa and the team have made a massive difference to my life. Things are looking good. I had never heard of the Lymphoedema service, until I needed to use it. However, I now KNOW it is an essential service that should be available in every area. I can’t speak highly enough of the people who carry out this service.


Lymphoedema patient

“As the Macmillan programme manager for Greater Manchester Cancer’s Lymphoedema programme during 2019 -2020, I worked extremely closely with St Ann’s Hospice Lymphoedema service.

“I worked particularly closely with Fiona Sanderson, Lymphoedema Specialist. Fiona has driven forward the patient’s voice, and shown the results of how she can turn someone’s life around by treating their condition with her expertise in intensive treatment. Fiona has also driven forward education for the palliative care and end of life workforce that will be implemented across Greater Manchester and I cannot wait to see the long-term outcomes of this piece of work.

“Fiona wouldn’t have been able to drive this transformation without the rest of her team, so I also thank Lucie and Lisa for all their hard work and commitment to lymphoedema. St Ann’s Hospice was an integral part of the two-year programme and will also continue to drive forward change for people affected by lymphoedema.” 

Debra Allcock, 
Facilitator for the GM Lymphoedema Transformation Network 


The lymphoedema team receives referrals from 7 CCG’s for people with both cancer and non-cancer related lymphoedema. Lymphoedema services are not easy to access and our patients are so grateful that the Hospice supports the team and continues to help it develop. We with other services across Greater Manchester and Lucie is on the British lymphology Society committee. We hope we can continue to learn and develop so we can continue to offer this support to more people. We love what we do and we love it more when we can see how it benefits people.


Fiona and the Lymphoedema Team

Our services

We don’t just care for people with cancer, we also support people with conditions like Lymphoedema, at all stages of their illness. All our services are free of charge, and the sooner we’re involved, the more we can help.

Find out more about our services




Five minutes with… Emma Dixon, Director of Clinical Services

November 25, 2020 | 8:00am

Emma Dixon joined St Ann’s in March this year as Head of Clinical Services for Heald Green and The Neil Cliffe Centre. She has recently taken on a new role as Director of Clinical Services for the hospice. We caught up with her to find out more about her role, what’s important to her, and what her guilty pleasures are too…

What attracted you to the role at St Ann’s?

I’ve always had an ambition to work at St Ann’s, as the hospice has such a great reputation for providing excellent care and driving forward innovation and change. I’d seen Eamonn O’Neal, the hospice’s Chief Executive, presenting at a conference about four years ago and his words really inspired me and cemented my ambition to work at St Ann’s. When I saw the role of Head of Clinical Services advertised I knew I had to apply and be part of the St Ann’s journey.

What does your role involve?

In my role as Director of Clinical Services, I’m part of the clinical team in the hospice, and also part of the Executive Team. I have responsibility for delivery of our clinical strategy, and work with teams from all departments of the hospice to ensure that our patients and their families have the very best quality care and support. No two days are the same, which I love – one day I will be on the ward supporting teams there, and the next I will be meeting with our commissioners or potential funders.

What do you love most about your job?

I love the team at St Ann’s most. I’m really be proud to be part of Team St Ann’s, and am always inspired by how everyone really does go the extra mile to support both each other and our patients and their loved ones. It’s like a family at the hospice, and everyone really gets stuck in to support each other, whatever challenge is thrown at them.

What makes you happiest?

Spending time with my husband Mark and our children Josh and Jess makes me happiest. I particularly love being by the sea – there’s something really relaxing about listening to the sound of the waves. I’m always planning our next holiday too. I really love to travel.

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

I’m a sociable person so really enjoy meeting up with friends and family for dinner or drinks. I also love shopping and a visit to the Trafford Centre is always something I enjoy. As mentioned already, I love to travel too – I’m a natural explorer I think, and always want to discover new things.

The hospice has its own set of values, as we all know. What are your personal values?

My own values very much resonate with the hospice values, inclusive, professional, compassionate and respectful. Being honest, kind and fair are also very important to me.

What do you think makes a good team player?

The ability to listen, a positive attitude and commitment to their team. Accountability for their own actions and behaviours is also really important, as is being honest, reliable and adaptable.

Finally, what are your guilty pleasures?

To unwind I like nothing more than binge-watching reality TV shows – Selling Sunset is my current favourite and I’ve been counting down the days for the return of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. I also love lotions and potions so a pampering session is also something that I really enjoy. That, and smelly candles…my ultimate favourite is the Jo Malone Christmas candle in pine and eucalyptus scent.

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

I’ve been on stage with Take That!

Our services

We provide specialist palliative care for people with cancer and non-cancer life-limiting illnesses, at all stages of their illness.

Find out more




Why I’m joining Light up a Life

November 23, 2020 | 11:00am
A child sits on their parent's shoulders to put a light on a tall christmas tree in the Cathedral.

“2020 has been a difficult year for all of us and, as a doctor, I’ve been so proud and privileged to have worked alongside the team at St Ann’s Hospice, providing front line care to people who need it, at what is a very vulnerable time in their lives.

“As everyone from Greater Manchester has had to adapt to the challenges they’ve faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve also had to adapt to ensure we can continue to provide specialist care to local patients and their families. I’ve personally seen the care and empathy that the hospice has provided, despite the requirements of PPE, social distancing and many other guidelines that we’ve had to follow through the pandemic as we support colleagues from the NHS and other health and social care settings.


Whether it’s on our wards, or remotely via telephone or video, the connection those we care for have with the hospice – and the connection we all have with each other – has felt more important than ever.


“For those who have faced loss or bereavement during this time, that’s also true. And as we launch our Light up a Life appeal for 2020, we’re asking people to consider joining us to dedicate a light on one of our special Christmas trees, or via our online winter forest in honour of someone special they can’t be with this year.

“We’re also encouraging people to dedicate a light in honour of other losses they have felt this year, whether that’s time lost with family and friends, or occasions that couldn’t be celebrated in lockdown. We’ve probably all experienced some sort feeling of loss this year, and we’re hoping this appeal will give people the opportunity to acknowledge that and look ahead to 2021, whilst also supporting St Ann’s and ensuring our care for local patients can continue.”

You can dedicate a light or find out more now by visiting www.sah.org.uk/light

Thank you to everyone who has supported St Ann’s through this difficult time. We can’t thank you enough.

Light up a Life

Dedicate a light in our online Winter Forest and join our special online service on December 6th to remember a loved one and reflect on this year.

Find out more




Jodie Illustrates is bringing Christmas to St Ann’s

November 16, 2020 | 8:12am

Staff nurse and creative business owner, Jodie Carr, 29, is using her creative skills to bring some festive cheer to our Heald Green hospice with Christmas illustrations, whilst raising vital funds for our St Ann’s.  

Jodie recently joined the team at our inpatient unit in August this year and has volunteered to use her illustration skills to bring Christmas to the wards following the difficult decision not to have the usual decorations due to Covid-19.  

Jodie said: 


I volunteered to illustrate the windows in the Inpatient Unit at Heald Green and I have also taken the opportunity to raise funds for the hospice. It’s the perfect chance to combine the two worlds of creativity and nursing. I am very proud to be a part of it.


Jodie Carr, Staff Nurse

Before Jodie started at St Ann’s, she took a short break from nursing to work on her mental health following a string of traumatic life events. While concentrating on getting better, Jodie turned to art and from there blossomed her business, Jodie Illustrates. In September, Jodie worked with WHSmith on their Back–to-School campaign and has since illustrated items for wedding shoots. 

She added:


It was during a difficult time that I picked up a paintbrush again and Jodie Illustrates snowballed from there, becoming an official business in August following a mountain of enquiries from local businesses.


Jodie Carr, Staff Nurse

When Jodie started at St Ann’s amidst the pandemic, she was able to work part-time in a palliative care role that she had always dreamed of, whilst having her art as a creative outlet.  

Jodie said:


Working part-time as a nurse and illustrator gives me that work-life balance that I need to maintain good mental health and wellbeing. I get the absolute job satisfaction I have been craving from nursing and the therapy, distraction and grounding I need to function at my very best, through my illustration work.


Jodie Carr, Staff Nurse

To sponsor Jodie Illustrates fundraiser for St Ann’s, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jodie-carr 

Follow Jodie Illustrates on Instagram to see more of Jodie’s creative creations:  https://www.instagram.com/jodie.illustrates/  

St Ann’s Senior Counsellor featured on international news site

November 11, 2020 | 4:41pm

As a hospice, our role is far from over when someone dies. Our therapy service, Let’s Talk, supports people to come to terms with loss or process their illness by offering psychological support to patients, carers, friends and family.

We have continued to offer counselling, bereavement and psychological support over the telephone or via video calls throughout the pandemic. Initially, some clients preferred to wait until we could offer face-to-face services again. However, as restrictions continue, we are seeing more people get back in touch as we all accept that we need to acclimatise to making connections in a different way.

Hazel Wilcock our Senior Counsellor at St Ann’s and she recently told ehospice about developing our psychological support service to reach more people during the pandemic.

You can read the article online on ehospice.

Bereavement support

Many of us welcome talking to others when a person who is close has died – and usually rely on friends and family. But sometimes it can help to talk to someone who is not so closely involved. This is where we can help.

Find out more




Celebrating Trustees’ Week

November 2, 2020 | 10:00am

This week we’re celebrating Trustees’ Week (Monday 2nd – Friday 6th November) at St Ann’s. We’re so grateful to have our Trustees as part of Team St Ann’s and we’re taking this week as an opportunity to thank them for their commitment and dedication to the hospice.

Our trustees are volunteers and ensure proper governance of our charity. They offer invaluable advice and expertise, and they each give significant amounts of time each year in support of St Ann’s. They are all from a variety of backgrounds and hold senior positions in their chosen field.

Professor Jackie Oldham, Chair of the Board of Trustees at St Ann’s, said:

“This week is Trustees’ Week and gives us time to pause and reflect on the major contribution all of our Trustees make to St Ann’s Hospice. Our Board of Trustees is responsible for the strategic direction and governance of St Ann’s, ensuring we fulfil our objectives and ambitious plans for the future as well as adhering to our philosophy and values.

“The Trustee role is voluntary and is bourne out of a commitment to the organisation, our patients, families and friends, staff and volunteers. Many Trustees will have seen loved ones taken care of in St Ann’s or another a hospice. Others have a deep commitment to ensuring the success of St Ann’s. Whatever the motivation their commitment is phenomenal and in my experience the drive and passion of the St Ann’s Trustees remains unsurpassed.

“This week, we take a moment to offer thanks to each and everyone of our Trustees alongside each other and all of our staff and volunteers.”

Some of our Trustees shared their favourite hospice moments with us…


My favourite moments as a Trustee are being involved in clinical leadership walkabouts, and acting as the Trustee monitoring our Health and Safety standards. I enjoy meeting staff and patients face to face, and hearing their views about our services. Often staff just need reassuring about their own potential solutions to problems and harnessing them to tackle things at work. It is also humbling to observe the immense talent we have in clinical and other areas. Our patients are so grateful for all that is done for them.


Mike Brown, Vice Chair and Trustee


One favourite moment was doing a walk around the hospice and talking to patients about their really positive experiences of care at St Ann’s. It made me feel really proud of the staff and grateful to be a part of the team as a Trustee.


Fiona Taylor, Trustee

Fiona Taylor


My favourite moment during lockdown was attending a virtual meeting where the Executive Team explained how the hospice was dealing with the pandemic. Before the meeting I was expecting to hear bad news, but it was so reassuring to hear the positive stories. The staff were clearly doing an amazing job to keep the flag flying. I left the meeting with a warm feeling and total admiration for everyone at St Ann’s.


Luke Dillon, Trustee

Luke Dillon

Meet our Trustees

Get to know more about our Board of Trustees

Find out more