How Debbie brings haircare with heart in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit
At Rowcroft Hospice, care comes in many forms. For the past eleven years, Debbie Gay has been snipping, styling, and spreading smiles as the dedicated hairdresser in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit. Whether it’s a wash or a fresh new look, Debbie lifts moods and helps patients feel more like themselves. Debbie shares the joy her role brings and the special connections she forges while making a difference in the lives of Rowcroft’s patients.
Eleven years of care
“I started at Rowcroft eleven years ago, and it was by chance that I came to work at the hospice,” says Debbie. “Three members of my family have been cared for by Rowcroft, so it’s been meaningful to give back to the hospice.
“My role involves visiting patients on the Inpatient Unit and offering to do their hair. Often, when someone has been poorly for a while, they haven’t had the chance to visit a hairdresser. I offer to wash, blow dry and cut their hair, helping them feel refreshed and cared for.”
The power of a haircut
“It makes a huge difference for patients who haven’t been able to get their hair done in a while. It helps them feel better about themselves. When they have loved ones visiting, not feeling like they’re looking their best can be tough. I think a simple haircut can be a real mood lift. It’s lovely for me to cut a patient’s hair, knowing the boost it will give them.
Helping patients feel like themselves again
“It doesn’t appeal to everyone, and that’s okay. But for many, it means a lot. If you’re someone who takes pride in looking well-dressed and having your hair done, having your hair washed and cut can help you feel like your usual self again. When you’ve been unwell for a while, it’s easy to start feeling like a patient, and less like yourself.
“My most memorable moment at Rowcroft was with a patient who had been unwell for a long time. She had felt too poorly to have her hair done, but while she was at Rowcroft, she felt able to. When I finished, I showed her the result, and she started crying happy tears. Her hair had grown out quite a bit, so the change was noticeable. She said it made her feel more like herself, and she was so grateful.”
One of the team
“I love being part of the Rowcroft team. It’s a wonderful group of people to work with. They genuinely care about their patients – it’s lovely to watch them in action. They’re also really good fun! We often need to work together, like when washing a patient’s hair in bed, and it really makes a difference when you all get along so well. I truly enjoy my job and the opportunity to meet and connect with the patients.”