Sue Ryder seeks Peterborough residents to help improve care for patients and families

Palliative, end-of-life care and grief support charity Sue Ryder is calling on people in Peterborough to help shape and improve experiences for its patients and families. 

The charity which runs Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice is inviting anyone who has received Sue Ryder’s care or who wants to create positive change for people living with life-limiting conditions or grief, to join its growing Hospice User Group. 

Members’ insights will help support others facing similar situations, whether by improving services, information, or environments. 

Judie Woods, 56, from Peterborough, was inspired to join her local Hospice User Group after her husband received care from Sue Ryder three years ago. Judie said: “Once we got to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, we felt listened to and knew David was with people who had the right experience and expertise. I was able to be there with him every day. It became like my second home. I couldn’t have wished for David to be in a better place.”

Sue Ryder provides expert palliative and end-of-life care and grief support, offering hope, kindness and dignity when it matters most. Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice is Peterborough’s only specialist palliative care inpatient unit, while its Hospice at Home service supports people with life-limiting conditions who wish to be cared for at home. 

Following David’s death, Judie had always pledged to volunteer for Sue Ryder. “I planned to go back to serve the teas and coffees because that was so invaluable while we were there. It just hadn’t felt like the right time,” she continued. “Then, two years after David died, I saw the request on Facebook asking for people to join the Hospice User Group. I wish I’d known about it sooner.” 

Judie, who now chairs the Peterborough group, hopes that by sharing her experience she can encourage more residents to help the charity understand what matters most to patients, carers and families, so it can continue to improve care. 

“There are such a wide variety of people who join the group, including those who have experienced care at home or as an inpatient. It could be that Sue Ryder cared for a friend, a child, a mother or father, or that you have been to the hospice as a visitor. Every voice matters,” Judie shared. 

She also wants people to know how flexible the role is: “We currently meet every eight weeks and alternate between in-person and online groups, which is great for busy people. We understand that everyone has different circumstances, and we aim to make participation as accessible and flexible as possible.” 

“We are asked to get involved in a variety of ways, from completing a short survey to, more recently, working with the policy team to help ensure that the people Sue Ryder cares for truly have their voices heard. We regularly work with the clinical team to share what matters most to people. You truly feel listened to, and your views are taken on board.” 

Allison Mann Regional Director of Healthcare Operations for the East of England at Sue Ryder, said: “Our priority is to ensure people who are grieving or living with a life-limiting condition are at the heart of everything we do. Many people tell us they want to give something back after receiving support from Sue Ryder and joining our Hospice User Group is a meaningful way to do that. By sharing your experience, you can help shape services that better meet the needs of future patients and families.” 

She continued: “No special skills or qualifications are needed. You just need to be willing to share your views. We are particularly keen to hear from people who can help us better understand the needs and wishes of our diverse communities who may not traditionally engage with hospices. If you’re interested in joining, we’d love to hear from you.” 

The charity will be holding a Hospice User Group information session on Wednesday 22 July at 6pm at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. To register to attend the event or for more information on joining the group, email [email protected]. 

For more information on Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, visit sueryder.org/thorpehall.