Gwent hospice nurses battle to get through to patients (From South Wales Argus)

Gwent hospice nurses battle to get through to patients

9:50am Thursday 24th January 2013 in News By Ruth Mansfield

DEDICATED: St David’s Hospice nurse Janet Fletcher

NURSES at St David’s Hospice Care haven’t let the snow get in the way of their duties, with one even taking on three-mile treks to care for a patient.

Janet Fletcher, a hospice at home nurse for St David’s, has been walking from her home in Ty Canol, Cwmbran, to the home of patient Lorna Strong in Two Locks, Cwmbran, to provide overnight care. Ms Fletcher had managed to drive to Mrs Strong’s house on Thursday night for a shift but had struggled to get the car back to her home on Friday morning, so ended up walking around two and a half miles to get home.

She ended up walking the three-miles to Mrs Strong’s home and back for night shifts on Friday and Saturday.

Ms Fletcher stays with Mrs Strong, who has melanoma, to provide care and allow Mrs Strong’s family, including husband Dave, to get some rest. She said: “I just put my wellies on and wrap up warm and go. I’ve quite enjoyed it, actually.”

Mr Strong said he had had nurses from Gilwern and Blaenavon to provide care on the other nights. He said: “It is marvellous. I cannot praise them enough. ”

Chief executive of St David’s Hospice Care Emma Saysell said 16 nurses have been going out in the bad weather to patients at night. Normally around 30 nurses nights.

She said: “I am very proud of all the nurses. They will go to any lengths to care for patients.”