Meet the gang

Alison Carlisle  Chief Executive

I started at the Hospice in June 1987, and my plan was to stop for two years and then move on. Twenty-two years later and I'm still here!!!

Originally from the Scunthorpe area, on leaving school I worked for the Co-operative Bank before commencing my nurse

training. When I qualified as a nurse I worked at Scunthorpe and Louth Hospitals, as well as running my own business, a grocery and newsagents shop at North Somercotes!

I met my husband not long after starting work at St Andrew's, and we have one son Wesley, who is thirteen years old. We live in a small village on the edge of the Wolds, and have a dog, chickens and goldfish.

I have loved motorbikes from a young age and my husband is a keen 'biker' however after all these years I have decided to hang-up my leathers. So instead of speeding around on the back of a bike I have decided to start to grow my own organic vegetables!!

I have loved  my time at St Andrew's  Hospice, and still do.  The challenges never cease.  I have worked with wonderful people, from different walks of life and professional backgrounds who have all strived to ensure that we are able to offer the best care possible, and lastly but not least I have met some truly inspirational people and their families who have let me into their life at a very difficult time and I feel very privileged. I have learnt so much from our patients and still do.

Lastly, thank you to all of you for your support throughout my career at St Andrew's Hospice.  Here's to the next twenty-two years!!!

Jane Whenham-White  Head of Fundraising and Marketing

I moved from Malvern in Worcestershire in 1994 to be nearer to my parents who had retired to Cleethorpes a few years previously. Getting the job at St Andrew's seemed meant to be. The Hospice has developed greatly during those years to meet the growing needs of local people. One thing which hasn't changed though over the years, are the fantastic people who I am proud to call my colleagues as well as the fantastic volunteers and people who support the work of the Hospice in so many ways.

I live just outside Louth and enjoy the drive into Grimsby each day as it gives me time to think about the day ahead. My husband is retired and really is the perfect husband as he makes sure that all the household chores are done in my absence. I am therefore able to fill my time with my various interests. Outside of work I am the secretary for the North Lincolnshire region of the British Horse Society, and help run a couple of events each year. I am also the local neighbourhood watch co-ordinator.

My biggest passions are horses and dogs, and when I'm not at work I spend most of my waking hours in jodphurs and riding boots. Most weekends we go for a good walk on the beach or in the Wolds. I love all outdoor activities and am fairly sporty (and now fighting the natural ageing process when unwanted body fat appears as if from nowhere!) so currently apart from horse riding I also play badminton, ride my bicycle and attend a Zumba Class.

I keep one colony of bees, but must be the only bee keeper who has kept bees for 4 years and still not been able to take any honey for myself .....still, I have high hopes this year!!! I love fine wines (selected by my husband), great food  - including cooking it (name me  a cookbook I don't have!!) and entertaining friends, theatre and weekends visiting new places. My spiritual home is India but I also love Ireland and Italy.

Jo Hubbard  Nurse

My name is Jo Hubbard.  I started work here just over three years ago as a student nurse and I have since gained all my nursing qualifications.

I soon realised what a friendly and supportive place this is, the staff are all nuts so I fit in quite nicely.  I have just passed my driving test and bought my first car so I have emailed my work rota to everyone so that you know when I'm off duty and keep off the road!

I am also involved with the Staff Forum which involves discussing all manner of issues that staff may have, for example chocolate cake at break times, wine with every meal and comfortable settees for our 3 hour lunch breaks - I wish !!!!!!!!).

I am also involved with transition for younger people at the Hospice along with Simon (Family Support Worker) and Brian (Nursing Assistant in the Children's Unit).

Always an interesting time.  Never ceases to amaze me how insightful our young people are, especially when living with life limiting illnesses, not to mention their crazy sense of humour.  I enjoy my job very much and hope to continue for a very long time.

So, if you fancy a chat (gossip to us girls) don't hesitate to come and find me.

Samantha Barnard  Nursing Assistant

Hi my name is Samantha Barnard and I am a Nursing Assistant at St Andrews Children's Hospice. I have been working at the Hospice since July 2010. I originally trained at Grimsby college for 2 years and gained a Diploma in Childcare and Education. With that qualification I became a Nursery nurse, and worked in different schools and nurserys over a five year period. In that time I gained lots of new skills and experiences which really increased my confidence.

Getting the job as a childrens nursing assistant here at the Hospice was fantastic! Working at St Andrews doesn't feel like a job at all!! Its great - satisifying and rewarding to know that I am helping to create memories for the children, young adults and their families whilst they are accessing the Hospice.

The Hospice is definately not a sad place to work. Although it can sometimes have its sad moments, it is a place where children, young adults and their families can feel at home and relax whilst being here!

Sue Trott  Family Support Team

When I saw an appeal for volunteers at St Andrews Hospice over twelve years ago I had recently been made redundant and was working at Birds Eye on the weekend shift.

With time to spare and not enough money to spend it shopping or on equally expensive leisurely pursuits I decided to apply for Voluntary Work at the Hospice.  I had no real insight as to what the day to day work of the Hospice was about, but knew of people who had been supported by it prior to their death.

Having no children and a husband who ccan look after himself, I expected my administrative skills to be my asset. Ironing was specifically identified as an area where I did not want to work.  I had no inclination to domestic tasks, hence my need to fill my spare time.

I was surprised then to find myself working as a volunteer in the day unit and thoroughly enjoying myself. With the encouragement and support of the staff, fellow volunteers and patients I started to gain confidence and began to get involved in developing my skills, eventually joining the bank staff. I was being supported to undertake my NVQ 2 in care within the Hospice when Birds Eye announced job losses.  As a result of this I applied for and was offered paid employment within the day unit.

I then found myself working in a voluntary capacity with bereavement groups.  There then came an opportunity to join the family support team in a developmental role and later as a member of the team.

Even then, I did not think that my involvement with the Hospice would lead to my recent qualification of a degree in Social Work for which I have received support from the Hospice.  Who knows where your role as a volunteer may take you?

If you would like to know more please email Sue: sue.trott@nhs.net