Dr Sarah Parnacott has hosted a clinic weekly at Blythe House since 2002 and has been a member of our board of trustees since 2018, chairing the hospice’s clinical committee.
Dr Parnacott, a consultant in palliative medicine, is employed by Chesterfield Royal Hospital, providing care to patients across the High Peak and surrounding communities.
After retiring from her consultant and medical director role at neighbouring Ashgate Hospice just before Christmas 2023, Dr Parnacott is still incredibly busy in her work life, hosting weekly palliative medicine* clinics and a twice monthly lymphoedema** clinic here at the hospice, and visiting patients in their homes who are unable to travel to Blythe House.
Dr Parnacott is a honorary lecturer at The University of Sheffield, teaching communications skills to fourth year medical students including having sensitive and difficult conversations relating to palliative and end of life care. She also spends time each week as a medical examiner at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, scrutinising the medical records of patients who have died and liaising with their doctors and relatives before a medical certificate for their cause of death is issued.
Sarah said: ‘I didn’t always know that I wanted to be a doctor. Back when I was at an all-girls’ school, it wasn’t something that was openly discussed or offered; I thought I might become a nurse or a radiographer. When I was 14 years old, it was my chemistry teacher who said I should investigate a career in medicine, and this piqued my interest.’
It was undertaking voluntary work during her late teens that inspired Sarah into a career in palliative medicine particularly. She explained: ‘I undertook voluntary work for Trafford social services, and it was here that I had my first real exposure to someone who was nearing end of life, a former serviceman, and his abysmal quality of end of life care. My piano teacher’s husband died soon after at St Ann’s Hospice in Greater Manchester and it was she who suggested that I went to have a look around. I met the consultant, matron and ward sister, and spent some time with them. I was surprised and delighted when I was offered a job as a healthcare assistant, and worked at the hospice that summer and all my university holidays for the first two years of my medical degree at Sheffield.’
Later, Dr Parnacott worked at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and St Ann’s Hospice before deciding to train in oncology in Sheffield. After two years, she realised that her heart lay in palliative care so switched registrar posts, acquiring her certificate of completion of specialty training in 2000. Sarah was appointed consultant in Chesterfield and took up the post in June 2002.
Sarah said: ‘I am committed to supporting my patients improve their quality of life, and to ensure that they can stay at home at the end of their life, if that is their wish. I get massive satisfaction from my job; I hope to improve a terrible situation for my patients by managing their painful, distressing, or unpleasant symptoms to ensure they are living their best quality of life.
‘I enjoy empowering patients to take control of their lives, giving them support to plan for their future and ensuring they have access to the right benefits, social care and health support during an incredibly overwhelming time in their lives. I hope to make situations the best I possibly can for my patients and their loved ones.’
Outside of her very busy work life, Sarah enjoys walking her dog, crafting and has recently taken up pottery.
*If you have an illness that cannot be cured, palliative care makes you as comfortable as possible by managing your pain and other distressing symptoms. Find out more.
** Secondary lymphoedema is caused by damage to the lymphatic system or problems with the movement and drainage of fluid in the lymphatic system; it can be the result of a cancer treatment, an infection, injury, inflammation of the limb, or a lack of limb movement. Learn more.
‘I feel extremely privileged to work with such an amazing team here at the hospice. I have met and spoken to some of the most wonderful people in my role.’
Amy Bainbridge began working at the hospice in May 2023, following six years in an admin and recording role at Buxton’s Cottage Hospital.
In her Hospice at Home and Roaming Car service co-ordinator role here, Amy is responsible for liaising with local families and healthcare professionals to organise care for patients who wish to stay at home as they near the end of their life.
Amy, who’s from Buxton, explained: ‘The Roaming Car has been up and running now for six months (launched in June 2023). It is going from strength to strength. There are very limited resources through the night for local patients who wish to remain at home, so this service is extremely needed and is already making such a difference to patients and their families.
‘We currently have on average a 33-minute response time to all calls from around North Derbyshire. We work very closely with other services during the day and through the night to make sure we are delivering care as quickly and efficiently as possible.
‘The best part of my role here is knowing how much of difference we make caring for patients and their loved ones at home during the day and through the night.
‘In the short amount of time that I have been at the hospice, I have had many favourite moments. Just after I started working here, the hospice trustees kindly hosted a summer BBQ to thank all the staff and volunteers for their hard work over the past year. It was nice for me to attend to meet all the staff and volunteers who work at the hospice or in our charity shops.
‘We also celebrated the launch of the Roaming Car service at an event at Matlock Football Club in September. This was a special evening to officially launch the Roaming Car and thank all the sponsors who have helped make this service happen.
‘I feel extremely privileged to work with such an amazing team here at the hospice. I have met and spoken to some of the most wonderful people in my role. The staff, volunteers, patients, and carers all make my job worthwhile and a pleasure to do.
‘Before I started at the hospice, I previously worked at Buxton Cottage Hospital for over six years as a receptionist and health records officer. I really enjoyed my time at Buxton and took a lot away from my time there.
‘Outside of work I enjoy getting out and about in the fresh air. I enjoy walking and running with my two dogs, Stanley, and Bertie. I also enjoy socialising and meeting up with friends.’
Find out more about our Hospice at Home and Roaming Car services.
Jessica Wood began working as fundraising assistant at the hospice in April 2016, bringing transferrable skills from her previous job as a college lecturer.
In 2020, Jessica made a change and began working in the hospice’s finance department, whilst studying towards AAT Foundation courses in accounting at Buxton and Leek College.
Jessica, who lives in Glossop, explained: ‘I loved teaching but fell out of love with the education system and how it operated, so I decided to start looking for a new job and a career change. I had lots of transferable skills which I thought I could bring to the fundraising team here at the hospice, and I wanted to do something that I felt made a difference, and had an impact.
‘I supported the fundraising team for several years as an assistant, undertaking roles including liaising with local supporters who were raising money for the hospice; celebrating success with cheque presentations; hosting events and stalls; and organising seasonal initiatives including Easter and Christmas knitting.
‘I started supporting Karen, the finance manager, one day per week due to an increase in her workload, and I realised I really enjoyed the tasks she was asking me to do. I looked at the possibility of undertaking some training and spoke to the HR manager who encouraged me that it was something the hospice could support me with.
‘The chance to undertake the accounting courses at night-school was an amazing boost to me personally and gave me confidence that the hospice supported me and my personal goals for development in my career.
‘The initial career change for me was the scariest thing I’ve ever done but it honestly turned out to be the best. Nearly eight years later, I am enjoying my job more than ever and feel really settled in a job I absolutely love! My tasks including payroll, reconciliation of shops takings, processing invoices, organising quotes, reconciliation of all income and expenditure, budgeting, monthly meetings with heads of departments to ensure thrifty spending and continuous income, and producing reports for the board of trustees.
‘I love the culture and feeling here at the hospice; everyone chips in to support each other. One minute I am doing payroll, and the next you’re helping the fundraising team at a Christmas wreath making event. It really does feel like everyone has the best interests of the charity at heart. I really enjoy events like the volunteers’ social summer BBQ where we as staff get to really appreciate the people who help us, by chatting to them and finding out more about them and why they support us.
‘The best part of my role is knowing that money is spent wisely and that the CEO, board of trustees and us in the finance team ensure that we are making the most out of everyone’s donations. I also thrive working with such amazing, inspirational people who genuinely want to ensure we are providing the best care for our community.
‘Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and anything to do with food – cooking it and eating it! I also enjoy running, and run alongside several friends from work. We recently took part in the Manchester Half Marathon, raising over £1,500 for the hospice; and I have undertaken the Chatsworth 10k in the past!’
‘It is a pleasure to be a part of the great work the hospice does and to help in raising much needed funds which support people in our community.’
Gavin Peach joined the hospice family as ecommerce manager in May 2021; overseeing our digital sales to raise vital hospice funds including eBay site and online store.
Gavin, who lives in Tunstead Milton, says he was drawn to the opportunity to work for a charitable cause that helped people in the local community.
He explains: ‘It is extremely satisfying to list items which have gone on to sell for a surprising amount. For example, a damaged, frameless canvas turned out to be an original by aboriginal artist Maurice Namatjira (1938-77) and sold for £225.
‘It is great working with staff and volunteers at our online sales unit in Bridgemont near Whaley Bridge; the team has been invaluable in helping to improve sales and to progress ecommerce for the charity. We have formed a brilliant team.
‘It is very rewarding to see examples of the care that is given to people in the local community, and to reflect on the direct correlation between the money we generate and the care provided.
‘During the remainder of 2023 and beyond, we hope to continue to grow and develop the ecommerce sales for the hospice. In a world where technology is constantly developing and habits are forever evolving, I believe that the opportunity for growth in online sales is huge.’
Prior to his role at the hospice, Gavin worked at Ferodo in Chapel-en-le-Frith for many years across roles including quality engineer, process improvement engineer, and in customer service.
He explained: ‘I also have experience teaching English at Key Stage 3 and GCSE level; Media Studies at A Level, and English as a foreign language in Japan. I have a Master’s Degree in Screen Arts, which I achieved a distinction in, and a postgraduate certificate in education in English and Media Studies. I have also been involved in the past in several independent fiction and documentary film projects.’
Outside of work, Gavin has a plethora of interests which keep him busy. He says: ‘I take great pleasure in enjoying what the countryside has to offer as I’m a keen outdoor enthusiast.
‘In recent times, my focus has been on running and I have been lucky to participate in long distance events such as Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100 mile; Ultra Trail Mont Blanc 170km; and the West Highland Way Challenge Race 150km. This year, I also entered my second ever marathon and was very happy to achieve a sub three-hour time.
‘In 2021, I raised £1,260 for the hospice by competing in the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100km, and plan to do further fundraising in the future. Later this summer, I will participate in the L’Echappee Belle Integrale 149km in the Belledonne Alps, which will be a tough technical mountain race with complex terrain and over 11,500 metres of ascent and descent.
‘I am a keen climber and have experience of climbing in spectacular places such as Yosemite Valley, the Alps, and up frozen Norwegian waterfalls.
‘Finally, I have weekly Japanese and Spanish lessons, and in July I will take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N3 Level. All in all, I have a busy active schedule.’
Rachael Gee started working at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust as our fundraising and events coordinator in January 2022, after studying hospitality, conferencing and events management at A Level in Buxton, and then at university in Sheffield.
It is Rachael’s role to organise and coordinate our fundraising events to help raise the vital income needed to provide free hospice care and services to local people. It costs £2million every year to keep our services running and the hospice receives less than 20% of its income from the government; 80% must be raised through fundraising, and our local shops.
Rachael, who lives in Bamford, says: ‘I love the diverseness of my role; every day is completely different – one day I can be speaking to businesses about sponsoring a tee at our fundraising golf day, and then the next I will be working with our marketing team putting together a video for TikTok on how to make a Christmas wreath!
‘I am so grateful for the support from our local community, including individuals and businesses. Thanks to their remarkable generosity, the care and support that we provide remains completely free of charge to local patients and their families.
‘My proudest achievement since starting at the hospice has to be organising our Chatsworth 10k. It is our huge, flagship event and every year, over 1,000 runners take part in the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth. It was amazing to see the fundraising team and colleagues from across the hospice come together to support the event. A huge amount of work went into it; in the lead up and of course on the day. It was very emotional but such a good feeling having the support from colleagues, volunteers, friends and family there.
‘Our fundraising event portfolio has grown so much for 2023 and I am really looking forward to making them bigger and better as the years go on. We have an action-packed programme including golf days, a fire walk, abseil, the UK’s highest skydive, and the return of our super popular Chatsworth 10k and Jingle Bell Jog running events. There is something for everyone who would like to get involved in supporting their local charity!
‘I also help to mentor and support all our amazing fundraisers who are taking on challenges to raise funds for the hospice. So, if you’re thinking of taking on a marathon or another running event or challenge, I would love to hear from you.
‘If you have any queries, or you’d like to get involved in supporting your local hospice, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
‘Outside of work, I love to spend time with my two little boys and on my parents’ farm in Edale. I also enjoy walking and keeping fit.’
Find out more about this year’s fundraising events for the hospice.
Contact Rachael on:
- 01298 384105
- Rachael.gee@blythehouse.co.uk
Julie Forrest started working at Blythe House Hospicecare as a fundraiser in 2017, and since then has established the hospice’s award-winning Community Volunteer programme; coordinating kind-hearted volunteers to provide support and carer respite to patients and families across the High Peak and beyond.
Julie, who originally hails from Aberdeen, has lived in Chapel-en-le-Frith for 15 years with her family. Here, she explains more about her background, and her current role here at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust:
‘I worked in sales and marketing for 10 years, and then as a childminder locally for nine years before working at Blythe House. I loved both roles, and childminding meant I was able to meet new people when we moved here, whilst spending time with my own children when they were little. My roles here at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust have allowed me to mix the caring aspect from my childminding days with my business experience as well.
‘I knew friends and local families who had benefitted from the hospice’s services, so when a friend spotted the fundraising role, I was really keen to get involved. My dad died of bowel cancer in 2013 and it really made me appreciate the need for good quality end of life care and support, fuelling my passion to help others in a similar situation.
‘Here at the hospice, I absolutely love working with people and I have met some of the most wonderful people in my role! The staff, volunteers, patients and carers all make my job worthwhile and a pleasure to do. To reach out and offer support to patients, carers and families when they need it most is such a privilege. We have an incredible team of volunteers who constantly surprise us with the talents and skills they have to support our services, and also to generate much-needed income. We simply wouldn’t be where we are without our team of volunteers and it is an honour to support and manage the team.
‘There are so many favourite moments that I’ve had during my time here. One of the biggest achievements and proudest moments would be mobilising our team of volunteers to support the community during the Covid-19 pandemic throughout 2020 and 2021. It was a frightening time for many, and to be able to turn that in to a positive experience for those who were shielding, anxious, lonely or vulnerable (regardless of whether they met our usual hospice patient criteria at that time), and for volunteers who wanted to help; felt really important. We continue to support our patients, carers and families at home, and with services at the Community Hub – I feel very lucky to be part of that.
‘The volunteer team (Lisa Youd, Mandy Baldwin, and myself), are always striving to do the best we possibly can for volunteer experience and patient services. As part of this, we will work closely with our team of nearly 300 volunteers to make sure they get the most out of their roles, and also tap in to their unique skills and experiences. We want this to be a rewarding role for everyone involved as every bit of support links together to complete the jigsaw.
‘We will continue to support all of our income generating staff and volunteers in their roles enabling us to bring in the necessary funds to enhance and develop patient services. We also work closely with the clinical team to see how we can provide the best possible services both here at the Community Hub, and across our local communities, whilst giving the best possible care. I was very inspired after visiting some other hospices earlier this year, and as such we hope to introduce some new groups and activities in the next few months… watch this space!
‘On a personal note, I absolutely loved (although I was terrified) doing the fundraising abseil some years ago, running the Chatsworth 10k, and setting my own personal running challenges in 2021 to raise money for the hospice. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, and travelling when we can. I also love walking, and running in and around the beautiful area we live in – if you see me, please do give me a wave!’
Find out more about volunteering opportunities at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust.
Lizzie Murray became the hospice’s care coordinator in August 2022, working closely with eight GP surgeries across the High Peak: Arden House and Sett Valley Medical Centre in New Mills; Buxton Medical Practice, Elmwood Medical Centre and Stewart Medical Centre in Buxton; Thornbrook Surgery in Chapel-en-le-Frith; Goyt Valley Medical Practice in Whaley Bridge; and Hartington Surgery.
Lizzie plays a very important role in providing a link between the hospice and surgeries to coordinate care for local patients who may need hospice care and support as close to, or in, the comfort of their own home.
Lizzie, who lives in Chapel-en-le-Frith, explains: ‘I am usually out and about, and have a base at each of the eight local surgeries. It’s important that I am out in the community so that staff and clinicians know who I am, and that they can come to me if they have any queries, ensuring a great working relationship and more joined-up care between the hospice and the practices.
‘We work within the Gold Standard Framework (or GSF as it’s known for short), which helps teams in all settings to provide more proactive, better supportive care, enabling patients to live as well as possible until they die. Patients who are approaching the last 12 months of life can be monitored more frequently and supported more appropriately as their conditions progress. Care may include managing pain and other symptoms for someone with a terminal diagnosis, (palliative care), supporting them to access benefits that they are entitled to, and understanding their wishes in the last days and hours of life, in relation to the treatment they want or don’t want.
‘Since starting my role, I have been shadowing a lot of our local community teams, and partner colleagues including palliative dementia nurses and dementia support workers, palliative care car rapid response nurses, Ashgate Hospice (ward and day centre), Dr Sarah Parnacott [consultant in palliative medicine] in one of her clinics at Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust, social prescribers and district nursing teams. I have also shadowed staff at the hospice, and attended the groups which are held here. All of this will help me to understand what support there is for patients and families, and will help them access the right care and support that they are entitled to.
‘Everyone I have worked with so far is so passionate and dedicated to their jobs and they really care about the patients and the outcome; it was so lovely to see this in every area when I was having my training. This area of work isn’t for everyone; there can be some very sad and upsetting stories, but there are also some lovely, uplifting stories that make you realise how important your job is and that what you do is so valuable for patients and their families, particularly in the last weeks and days. I think that’s the nicest part; when you hear a good news story, or get a compliment, and you realise the work that you have contributed to has led to this. There is real job satisfaction and I’m looking forward to seeing where this job leads to and the help that can be given to patients, surgeries and professionals.
‘Prior to my role here at the hospice, I have worked within the NHS sector from the age of 18. I have worked in a hospital as a healthcare assistant and before that as a healthcare assistant in the community for a private company, providing care such as making meals, washing, dressing, and palliative care for patients who had been discharged from hospital, to die in the comfort of their own homes. I then went on to work in the radiology department as a booking clerk; booking X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs, fluoroscopy clinics, biopsy clinics. I then got a job as a medical secretary at a GP surgery and became a joint lead of a team of seven staff, which then led me to this job now.
‘I always loved working with palliative patients, but I decided I didn’t want to do my nurse training so went down the admin route instead. But I always missed working with patients and helping them, so when I saw the job role advertised, I just had to apply.’
Find out more about hospice care and services here at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust.
