Experienced nurse Fiona Dakin is adding her knowledge and expertise to end of life care at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) thanks to the Trust’s Helen Tees Bursary.

Funded by Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) Charity, the two-year bursary was set up following the death of Mrs Helen Tees in 2011 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Helen was one of UHB’s most well-respected nurses, having worked in healthcare for more than 40 years in her native Scotland and the West Midlands and, fittingly, the fund set up in her memory has now enabled the creation of Fiona’s new role as a dedicated Clinical Nurse Specialist for End of Life Care.

“Caring for patients with life-limiting illness, in the last days of life and after death, is enormously important – not only for those who are dying, their families and others who are important to them, but also for staff,” said Fiona.

“Crucially, we only have one opportunity to ensure we get it right and how we deliver care at this time will live in the memories of the bereaved.

“Such times are always very difficult and emotional for the patients, their loved ones and for staff, with difficult decisions having to be made and distressing discussions to be had.”

In her new role Fiona, a former Critical Care Outreach team leader and senior clinical site manager at UHB, will be working alongside clinical teams, offering practical support and education to help build increased knowledge and skills, particularly related to caring for dying patients and their families.

“Although the focus is on end of life care and communication, if we can improve the delivery of care for these specific patients, then it will also have a positive impact on how we treat all patients and their families,” added Fiona.

Tracy Nightingale, Lead Nurse for End of Life, Bereavement and Chaplaincy Services, added: “In the midst of extensive resources and abilities to keep patients alive, sometimes it’s hard to recognise when it is time to change from active to supportive treatment.

“Part of Fiona’s role will be to provide guidance and support to improve the confidence of staff who are communicating sensitive and, at times, devastating information.

“We already provide a range of end of life care and support for patients and their families as well as staff at UHB and this new role will help to further enhance our services.

“UHB has also been chosen as one of the first participants in a new national programme to improve palliative and end of life care across the UK.

“Ten acute hospital trusts have been selected to take part in the ‘Building on the Best’ programme, which will support improvements in quality and experience of palliative and end of life care across the UK.

“Helen Tees was a much-loved and admired nurse within the Trust and I think it is very fitting that the Bursary set up in her honour should be used to support this post.”