Two bereavement nurses appointed to support end-of-life care in North Wales
Two specialist SWAN Bereavement Nurses have been appointed to help improve experiences for patients and their families receiving end-of-life and bereavement care in North Wales.
Kathi Ellis and Gemma Sweetman have taken up the new posts at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to embed the SWAN Model for End of Life and Bereavement Care. The model aims to ensure personalised and compassionate support for patients and their loved ones.
Kathi, who previously worked as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in oncology triage at Glan Clwyd Hospital, said:
“I’m delighted to take up this new role and champion the SWAN model. It’s an opportunity to shape a more compassionate, patient and family-centred approach to care.
“My experience working across various hospices has given me deep insight into the needs of families during end-of-life care. I’m committed to helping bridge gaps within services to enhance the overall experience for those receiving care.”
Gemma, formerly a Ward Sister at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, said:
“We will be working closely with staff across different departments and specialties to embed the principles of the SWAN model. We will look at educating and training our staff to enhance the experience for patients and their families during these sensitive times.
“We are aware many departments and wards are already doing great things and are going the extra mile – offering memory boxes or additional palliative support – but we want every patient and their family to receive the highest standard of care, whatever ward or department.”
The SWAN Model places importance on the “little things” that provide comfort, such as placing a SWAN symbol by a patient’s bedside to signal staff to act with added sensitivity. Initiatives include comfort packs for relatives, memory boxes to preserve keepsakes, and bereavement support information.
The two posts are initially funded by Macmillan Cancer Support as part of delivering the Welsh Government’s National Bereavement Framework and Pathways. End-of-life care has been identified as a ministerial priority.
Angela Wood, Executive Director of Nursing & Midwifery, said:
“We are really excited to have recruited these roles into the organisation. The Swan Model is best practice in end-of-life bereavement care and I am looking forward to the care provided by these nurses to enhance the experience of patients, staff and relatives. Educating and training will equip staff to provide the most appropriate care at the most difficult of times.”
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