Care starts with the person, not just the illness

Since joining St Luke’s a few months ago, Dr Charlie Hill has seen how much difference time and listening can make, and how that shapes the experience for patients and families.

Charlie is a resident doctor taking a short placement at the hospice while on a break from his GP training.

At St Luke’s Hospice, care starts with the person, not just the illness.

“It’s very patient-focused,” Charlie says.

“You’re dealing with people’s symptoms and how it affects their life, rather than just seeing them as a bunch of numbers or symptoms that you need to fix.”

Care here looks beyond medical charts. It means talking about what matters, easing worries, and helping people feel understood, not rushed.

Those conversations stay with him.

“I found myself being energised by them and enjoying them,” he says. “It’s a real privilege to be part of those moments.”

He also sees how the hospice setting helps people relax.

“Here, patients and families can feel looked after and listened to,” he says.

“We offer an environment where people have the time to give.” He describes it as having “all the benefits of a hospital, but with the feel of the respite of a home.”

What makes that possible, he says, is the team.

“When you’ve got colleagues you like and work with every day, it makes the job a lot easier. The consultants are amazing mentors.”

Even when the work is hard, Charlie says the kindness and support around him make a difference.

Looking back on his time here, he says, “It’s incredible. I think this is the best job I’ve ever had.”

For patients and families, that means care shaped around comfort, dignity, and feeling supported, every step of the way.

Care like this is only possible with community support. Find out more about St Luke’s and how you can help here.