Jen, Physiotherapist

“The difference physiotherapy can make to patients’ physical and psychological wellbeing makes this a very humbling and fulfilling job.”

Jen is a Specialist Physiotherapist and Team Leader, caring for patients predominantly in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit and also as part of the Community Team. Her role is not only to help relieve patients’ symptoms such as pain, stress, breathlessness, but also to enable them to achieve some personal goals in the limited time they have left whilst maintaining their dignity and independence.

“I have always had a passion for palliative care since my initial experience in London,” says Jen. “The difference physiotherapy can make to patients’ physical and psychological wellbeing makes this a very humbling and fulfilling job. Listening and responding is just as much a part of the care as the physical support.

“It is fantastic to have such a supportive and experienced team here at Rowcroft who I can always count on and ask for support and advice when needed.  The multidisciplinary working ensures that we continually learn, adapt and improve in line with best practice in these changing times.  It’s a really friendly place to work, where everyone looks out for one another.  I call it my Rowcroft family.

“At Rowcroft, we endeavour to make every day the best it can be for our patients and families. Living with a life-limiting illness can mean that everyday tasks become incredibly challenging. However, physiotherapy can provide a positive improvement to patients’ quality of life.

“Physiotherapy can support a patient to try and achieve their wishes. Sometimes the small things lead to big moments, like showing a patient arm-strengthening exercises in order to help them hold their new-born grandchild for the first time. We recently helped rehabilitate a patient to improve her mobility to get her home for Christmas. She later shared with us that it was the best Christmas she had ever had. Helping patients share precious moments like this with their loved ones is what Rowcroft’s care is all about.

“Rowcroft believes that no-one should live with preventable discomfort. Our team of physiotherapists work as part of a multi–disciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers and therapists to provide comfort to our patients. One of the biggest concerns that patients can feel is that they are a burden to their families. Assisting patients in prolonging their independence through mobility and functional activities helps to alleviate this stress.”