Recruitment Event at Priscilla Bacon Lodge Offers Chance to Explore Career Opportunities in Specialist Palliative Care
Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C) is excited to invite healthcare professionals to a recruitment event on Friday 22 November 2024.
Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C) is excited to invite healthcare professionals to a recruitment event on Friday 22 November 2024, from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. Taking place in the state-of-the-art Day Unit at Priscilla Bacon Lodge, the event will offer an inspiring look into careers in specialist palliative care.
For over 40 years, NCH&C has provided specialist palliative and end-of-life care for patients across Norfolk and Waveney. This event offers a unique opportunity to meet dedicated staff, tour the state-of-the-art facilities at Priscilla Bacon Lodge and learn more about rewarding career opportunities.
Priscilla Bacon Lodge is a 24-bed inpatient unit, with 16 consultant-led specialist palliative care beds and eight nurse-led Continuing Health Care Fast Track beds. While many patients receive excellent support from primary care teams and other NCH&C colleagues, those with more complex needs benefit from the expert input of our specialist multidisciplinary team.
Patients admitted with specialist palliative care needs may require a period of assessment, symptom control, treatment for acute reversible conditions, psychological support, or end-of-life care. For patients in the nurse-led Continuing Health Care pathway, our team focuses on providing compassionate end-of-life care during the final days.
Event attendees will have the chance to speak directly with staff members and get an insight into what it’s like to work at Priscilla Bacon Lodge. There will be information about current job openings, including roles such as Clinical Support Worker and Nursing Associate, as well as the scope of work available across both clinical and supportive functions. The tour will showcase the facility’s features, including a modern day unit, counselling and therapy rooms, and an on-site patient gym.
Laura Clear, Deputy CEO and Director of Strategy and Transformation at NCH&C, reflected on the significance of PBL’s role in the community: “Priscilla Bacon Lodge represents a dedication to exceptional palliative care, where our team supports patients and their families through compassionate, holistic care. We’re thrilled to invite healthcare professionals to learn about joining us in this vital work, making a difference each day for individuals at a profound stage of life.”
Priscilla Bacon Lodge recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its move to this advanced facility, which was made possible by a generous fundraising campaign from the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity. Priscilla Bacon Hospice charity continue to raise funds for the wrap around holistic services such as Bereavement Service, Music Therapy, providing an enhanced catering provision and comfort items for patients and their loved ones. The new unit is located on the outskirts of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) campus, replacing its former location on Unthank Road. It is equipped to offer patients the highest quality of specialist palliative care in an environment designed to meet their complex needs.
One patient, reflecting on their experience at PBL, shared:
“Circumstances mean you would never think about staying in a place such as this, but as soon as you trundle through the doors you realise how special the place is. All the team are warm, friendly, very professional and look after your every need. The care you receive is on a par with top-class private care.”
Another patient added:
“When I came into PBL, I didn’t know how long I would be here for, but I am still here down to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and carers. I really don’t know what I would do without them. They are friendly and caring.”
A relative of an inpatient also praised the staff and the facilities:
“As a relative of an inpatient, I cannot praise Priscilla Bacon Lodge highly enough. The staff have such a lovely way about them. It almost feels like extended family and friends—a home from home during difficult, stressful, and sad times. The facilities here are perfect. I cannot fault it. We aren’t in a position for my husband to be cared for at home, but being here is superb. The whole team go above and beyond to make the experience special. Even offering tea and coffee to all our visitors, just like you would in your own home, is so nice. A big thank you and lots of love to everybody here.”
NCH&C staff member – PBL’s caring culture is echoed by long-serving staff members.
“I have been a healthcare assistant at PBL for 9 years,” said one of the team members.
“I’ve always been encouraged to develop my skills in palliative care while working here. We have an amazing team and always support each other through difficult times. I feel privileged to care for our patients and their families during what is a very challenging time for them. Having empathy, kindness, compassion, and treating patients with dignity and respect, while validating how they and their family are feeling, are essential in this role.”
If you’re passionate about delivering compassionate care and eager to be part of a team that strives to make a meaningful impact, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn more about joining the team at Priscilla Bacon Lodge.
Event Details:
Date: Friday 22 November 2024
Time: 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Day Unit, Priscilla Bacon Lodge, Century Place, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7YA