I’ve experienced St Gemma’s from both sides, as a nurse and as a family member. I saw first-hand the care, compassion and expertise of the teams here, and it inspired me to work more closely with patients at the end of life.
June 23, 2026
From Fashion to Hospice Care: Jayne’s Story
For Senior Nurse Practitioner Jayne, working at St Gemma’s isn’t just a job – it’s a role that has shaped her life in more ways than one.
Jayne joined St Gemma’s more than ten years ago as a student nurse on placement with the Community Team. Before nursing, she spent much of her working life as a pattern cutter in the fashion industry, but in her 40s she decided it was time for a change.
“I’d worked as a carer, a healthcare assistant and in the NHS before training as a nurse,” she explains. “When I came to St Gemma’s on placement, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
Two years after qualifying, Jayne secured a permanent role as a Nurse in the Day Hospice before progressing to a Clinical Nurse Specialist within the Community Team. However, her connection with St Gemma’s would later become deeply personal.
Four years ago, Jayne’s husband was cared for on the In-Patient Unit and sadly died at the Hospice. Not long afterwards, her father also received care at St Gemma’s at the end of his life.
“I’ve experienced St Gemma’s from both sides,” says Jayne. “As a nurse and as a family member. I saw first-hand the care, compassion and expertise of the teams here, and it inspired me to work more closely with patients at the end of life.”
Today, Jayne works within the specialist nursing team responsible for the Hospice’s nurse-led beds. These beds support patients who require expert nursing care but do not need ongoing medical intervention. Many patients are in the final days or weeks of life, and the team works closely with them and their loved ones to ensure they receive the care, comfort and dignity they deserve.
Jayne
Senior Nurse Practitioner
“We get to know our patients and their families very quickly,” says Jayne. “Some people are only with us for a few days, but those days matter enormously.”
As a Senior Nurse Practitioner, Jayne’s role extends beyond direct patient care. She often acts as the nurse in charge of the Hospice, helps develop clinical procedures, delivers training to healthcare professionals and supports student nurses. She is also qualified to prescribe medication, helping patients receive timely symptom management when they need it most.
A key part of her work is advance care planning – supporting patients and families to make informed decisions about their care and ensuring their wishes are understood and respected.
“For patients and their loved ones, this can be an incredibly difficult and vulnerable time. They place a huge amount of trust in us. My role is to make things as peaceful, understandable and stress-free as possible.”
While clinical expertise is essential, Jayne believes it is often the small acts of kindness that families remember most.
“Sometimes it’s about listening. Sometimes it’s a hug. Sometimes it’s arranging a cake for a special occasion. Those simple things can make a huge difference.”
Supporting families is only one part of the picture. Jayne is also passionate about supporting her colleagues.
“We understand each other’s roles and pressures, and we look after one another. That’s one of the things that makes St Gemma’s such a special place to work.”
Her commitment to the Hospice doesn’t end with her nursing role. This October, Jayne will be taking on the challenge of walking the Great Wall of China to help raise funds for St Gemma’s.
“I must be mad!” she laughs. “We’ll be walking for five days. But as a charity, fundraising is so important. I’m really invested in this job, and St Gemma’s invests in me too. It resonates with me. I feel empathy, and I feel I still have a lot to give.”
For Jayne, caring for people at the end of life is both a privilege and a responsibility.
“Every patient matters. Every family matters. Being able to support people through one of the most important times in their lives is something I never take for granted.”