Introduction:

1. What is your name?

Dina Thorncroft

2. Which hospice do you work for?

South Coast Hospice

3. What do you do there?

Clinical Manager and Home Based Care

4. How long have you been there?

20 Years

In-depth:

1. Why did you decide to focus on palliative care?

It started out as an accident, but the profession has crept into my heart.

2. What gives you the greatest fulfilment?

When you see a patient who’s suffering has been relieved, and they have come to be at peace with their circumstances

3. What do you find the most challenging?

Navigating the diverse needs of various people at all levels and finding the best solutions

4. What do you think people find the most challenging about a life-threatening diagnosis?

Acceptance – not just accepting their diagnosis but also dealing with other people’s opinions regarding their diagnosis.

5. What do you think that you personally bring to your job that reflects who you are as a person? 

Caring for people, together with expertise.

6. How do you take care of your own health and balance?

I switch my phone off when I am not on call in an attempt to keep my work and home life separate.

7. What is your advice to anyone else wishing to join your profession?

If you are doing it, do it with your whole heart.

8. What is your advice to anyone given a life-threatening diagnosis?

Don’t give up and take one day at a time.

9. What is your advice to the loved ones of anyone who is given a life-threatening diagnosis? 

Listen to the patient and don’t always try and give advice. Often the patient needs quite support more than management.

10. How do your loved ones feel about the work that you do? 

They are supportive of the work that I do, and they are proud of what I do.

11. What do you like the most about the hospice that you work with?

My home care team who support each other.

12. Do you have a “motto” that you tend to live by that you would like to share?

Be faithful and trustworthy – be someone people can believe in.