Danie Gartside became our Hospice at Home coordinator in October 2020, following many years in hospital admin and organisational roles in Buxton.
Danie, who lives in Dove Holes, explained: ‘Before I started at Blythe House, I worked for the Integrated Community Team at the Cavendish Hospital in Buxton as a senior administrator for the district nursing and therapy team. Prior to this, I worked at Buxton Cottage Hospital as a receptionist and health records officer, and also as a ward clerk on Johnson Ward.
‘Within my role here at the hospice, I take referrals for patients who are in the last 12 months of life. I organise all the planning for patient visits on a weekly basis; support staff and our healthcare assistants with IT; attend meetings with our healthcare assistants and take notes and minutes from the meetings.
‘I do the quarterly reporting for the data of the Hospice at Home service; weekly budget reporting; complete mandatory training, and record the training completed by our healthcare assistants. I also undertake on-call duties in the evenings and weekends, and support our Roaming Car service team.
‘My favourite thing within my very rewarding role is knowing that we are always at the end of the phone for patients and families who are struggling; in a crisis or just needing to speak to somebody. Another good feeling is that we support our patients to be able to die in their own home, as they wish to.
‘I have had some good moments at Blythe House; I was brave enough to conquer my fear and complete a skydive for the hospice, jumping from 15,000 feet; I raised an incredible amount of money that will contribute towards providing essential care for our patients.
‘Outside of work I play football for Buxton Women FC, and I love spending time with my family.’
Find out more about our Hospice at Home and Roaming Car services.
