Travelling to Cornwall for a special family celebration. Dying peacefully at home with pets and loved ones nearby. Not things you’d expect from a hospice – but at St Michael’s Hospice they’re part of everyday life.

We spoke to Lisa, Clinical Nurse Specialist in our Community Team, about her role supporting people who choose to continue to live and die at home.

Tell us about your role at St Michael’s Hospice

I’m a Clinical Nurse Specialist working mainly in the community as part of the outreach team. I support patients in their homes, along with their family and friends, by assessing their clinical needs and prescribing treatments to help manage symptoms effectively. As a senior nurse, I guide and support the wider outreach team, including our registered nurses and healthcare assistants, who work alongside me in the community.

For many people, being at home means everything. Being surrounded by family, pets, and familiar things can bring real comfort – especially for those who’ve spent a lot of time in hospital. We help make this possible by providing equipment, medication, emotional support, and simply being there when needed. Sometimes, just knowing someone is at the end of the phone can make all the difference.

What does a typical day look like for you?

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist, my day usually falls into one of two categories: planned home visits or supporting our community hub with urgent needs. On visiting days, I carry out assessments for newly referred patients or follow up with those already under our care. These visits might involve reviewing symptoms, adjusting treatments, or simply offering reassurance. Some patients are also seen as outpatients at the hospice, depending on their needs.

On hub-based days, I respond to incoming calls from patients, families, GPs, district nurses, and other healthcare professionals. These calls often relate to urgent symptom management or care coordination. I work closely with our admin team, healthcare assistants, and triage nurses to ensure patients receive timely and appropriate support. While we’re not an emergency service, we work closely with local healthcare services to ensure the right person is available to help.

What’s your favourite memory of working at the hospice?

One of my most memorable moments was receiving a personal thankyou card from a family after a patient had died. I’d only visited her a few times, but those small interactions clearly meant a lot. Even in their grief, the family took time to express their gratitude. It reminded me that what may feel like a small gesture to us can have a huge impact. We don’t do this work for thanks, but moments like that reaffirm how meaningful our support is to the people we care for.

What are you proud to have enabled for someone?

Travel is often a meaningful goal for people nearing the end of life, and I’m proud to have helped make that possible for some people. One patient hoped to join her family for a special birthday celebration in Cornwall. We worked together to ensure she had the right medication, felt well enough to travel, and knew how to access care while away. We liaised with local healthcare services so she had peace of mind, knowing support was available if needed.

These moments aren’t just about the patients, they’re about their families too. Helping someone create lasting memories with their children and grandchildren, even in the final stages of life, is a privilege. It’s about enabling people to live fully, right to the end.

What has surprised you most about working for a hospice?

Coming from fast-paced hospital environments, I was surprised by how much time we’re able to spend with patients and the people that matter to them.

In acute settings, everything is busy and there’s rarely time to pause. But at the hospice, we’re able to slow down, listen, and respond to people’s needs and goals. That space to truly connect and care is one of the most meaningful differences I’ve experienced.

So, what does it mean to you to support people in your local community?

Two words come to mind: pride and privilege. It’s a privilege to be invited into people’s lives at their most vulnerable moments, and I feel proud to support them through it.

I’ve lived and worked in Hastings all my life, and St Michael’s Hospice has always been a respected part of our community. I grew up taking part in fundraising events and seeing the incredible support people show for the Hospice. Now, being part of that team feels incredibly special. My children go to school locally and take pride in telling people where I work. Whenever there’s a fundraising event, it’s always, “Can we do it for the hospice?”.

Hospice care isn’t just about the end of life – it’s about making the most of every day.

Visit our services page to find out more.