The longest serving member of St Richard’s Hospice staff was given a surprise celebration of 20 years’ service today. (19th June)
Mrs Marilyn Bird, from Rushwick, joined as Housekeeper in 1996 when the charity was based at a large Georgian house in Worcester. She then moved work in the purpose-built new hospice at Wildwood Drive in 2006.
Staff gathered to give their good wishes to Mrs Bird, 69, and hear from Chief Executive Mark Jackson on her dedication to her job and the organisation. As well as her hard work, Mrs Bird is often volunteering for the charity by helping at events.
Mrs Bird said, “I remember starting work at the hospice in Rose Hill and doing all the washing, ironing and cleaning on my own. The new hospice is so much bigger and we now have a team of five people, ensuring that everything is kept spotlessly clean and tidy, which is particularly important for infection control.”
She added, “I class St Richard’s as my family. I know everyone and they’ve always been there for me when I needed them and I hope I’m there for them too. I’ve seen the building and the staff and volunteer numbers grow over the years but it still has the same team feeling. There’s something special and everyone gives their all.”
Mr Jackson said, “Marilyn is a huge asset to St Richard’s and we value all her dedication and enthusiasm over the years. Her warmth and friendliness shine through to everyone she meets. We are lucky to have her.”
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,600 patients and family members in Worcestershire with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers.
In the In-patient Unit, specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it to continue its work.