Bernie's story

Published 17 September 2024 More in

“I really do enjoy what I do and I have absolutely no intention of moving on.”

Bernie Moloney, Ward Administrator

It takes all of our almost 500-strong workforce to ensure we can provide quality, holistic care and support to each and every one of our patients and their families.

St Christopher’s wards certainly wouldn’t function without the dedicated and skilled clinical staff. Just as important though to their efficient and compassionate functioning, are the support staff, like Ward Administrator Bernie Moloney.

Almost 10 years after taking on the role, Bernie, who grew up Crystal Palace and has always lived locally, loves the job as much as she did on day one, back in December 2014.

“I really do enjoy what I do and I have absolutely no intention of moving on.
I never dread coming to work. It’s always busy and I feel like I’m a part of a great team
and that what I do helps a little.”

So, what it is that Bernie does as a Ward Administrator?

‘’Sometimes just chatting to relatives, making them a cup of tea and listening can help them at a particularly tough time.”

On arrival on Alexandra Ward at 8.30 in the morning, Bernie’s first job is to check the board and see if there have been any changes in patients’ conditions overnight. She’ll then print off the patient list for her nursing colleagues, take notes at meetings and complete other duties that help with the smooth running of the ward. When GPs, hospitals or relatives phone the ward, it’s usually Bernie that picks up. She might have to help arrange meetings, organise transport, chase or give information or help relatives.

‘’Sometimes just chatting to relatives, making them a cup of tea and listening can help them at a particularly tough time.” Bernie adds.

Those interactions with people on the ward often leave a lasting impression – on both sides.

“The husband of one of the first patients I got to know, came onto the ward to visit last week. I had been to his wife’s funeral a number of years before and we both remembered each other very well.

“You do get attached to the lovely people you meet, you can’t help it. Of course, it can be very emotional. Sometimes, at the end of the day you might have a bit of a cry, but then you talk to each other and try and carry on.”

Coming to work at St Christopher’s wasn’t Bernie’s first experience of the hospice. But it was the first time she’d returned to the in-patient unit since her mother, Mary Coward, died there in 1991, aged 58.

“I think having had that personal experience does affect the way I do my job. Losing a loved one changes you, it makes you appreciate what is important and what people are going through”

““My training in the bank, where I worked for many years before coming to St Christopher’s, was to give the best possible service to my customers, whoever they were. This also influences how I do my job at the hospice now.

Bernie Moloney with her Mother, Mary — _{Bernie with her Mum, Mary Coward}

“Initially, I’d thought my Mum was just coming in for respite and would get home, but it didn’t turn out like that. I’m so glad she was here though as it meant my Dad, sister, brother and I were comfortable knowing she was safe and being well looked after.’’

Bernie is keen for people to know that her mother’s experience isn’t necessarily typical, but knows that can come as a surprise to some people.

“I think a lot of people think they’re going to come here and that will be it. They don’t then expect to have their symptoms controlled and get the opportunity to go home.

“The other thing that surprises people is just how nice a place it is to be. It’s so happy, the gardens are lovely, the care second to none and there are activities and complimentary therapies. It really is here for everyone.”

As well as giving a decade of service to St Christopher’s, Bernie has, since her mother was first admitted to the hospice, participated in and organised fundraising activities. That includes pretty much every Fun Walk, clothes swaps and concerts.

Both of Bernie’s children were born after her mother died and with her daughter’s wedding coming up in September, she realises how she’s learned to appreciate life even more since starting at St Christopher’s.

‘’Working here really makes you value things, and you realise what it is love and lose people”

Making it past 58 was a real landmark for Bernie, and she celebrated her recent 60^th birthday with a party packed full of friends from St Christopher’s.

“To be honest, they feel like family.”