24 hours in... our In-Patient Unit

Read about Sam's role as a Health Care Assistant on our In-Patient Unit at the Hospice

Image of healthcare assistant How would you describe your role in one sentence?
Being there for someone when they need you most, bringing calm to the chaos and bringing peace of mind to both patients and relatives.

Can you give us a potted history of your career so far?
My first job was a cleaner and slowly I built in confidence and became a healthcare assistant and then my career in care really took off and the highlight of that was being able to care for my grandad and allow my whole family to be together and now to work for Princess Alice Hospice.

How long have you worked for the Hospice?
Coming up to 5 years and still love with the job – I hope to get a badge someday!

What three words would you use to describe Princes Alice Hospice?
The three words I would use to describe the Hospice are patience, respect, and understanding. But if you wanted the fun ones, I would say the Hospice is exciting and funny and full of surprises.

What do you think other people would be surprised to know about your role?
I think people would be surprised to know that, as a Health Care Assistant, we also make flower posies for patients who have died (luckily for me I love flowers).

What personal qualities do you think you need to do your job?
I think it is essential for anyone working in care to have patience, respect and understanding. Even more so for those who may be acting out of character due to their illness or mental state and may need extra time and reassurance.

Who have you learned the most from since starting work at the Hospice?
This is a hard one as I feel everyone in my team has done their best to train me, but I will never forget how my colleague Gill made me feel when I first started, and how gentle and thoughtful she was with the patients. I found that was very inspiring (and still do).

Alain Bakas

We will never be able to thank the team at Princess Alice Hospice enough for the love, care, dignity, and compassion they showed our papa and our whole family. They cared for my papa for a month, and then welcomed him back again for his final 8 days before he passed on 3rd April 2026. Every single member of staff became like family to us during the hardest time of our lives. Their kindness, patience, support, and genuine compassion will stay in our hearts and minds forever. They not only cared for our papa with dignity and respect, but they also supported all of us emotionally every step of the way. We are so grateful for everything they did for our papa and for the comfort they brought him in his final days. Thank you again to the entire team for the incredible work you do every day. You are truly special people, and we will never forget you.

Darek Kubik

The shop in Claygate on Parade is well run and stocked place. The manager Mrs Roheana is helpful and friendly person...well done

Nicola Jeebaun

So grateful for the kind and caring team at Easher. They supported us so much while spending our last days with mum Will always be grateful From the Greenaway family

Stephen Nicholson

I'm deeply grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. Their warm and helpful staff made a significant difference during a difficult time after losing my grandfather to prostate cancer in July 2017. The bereavement team and therapy offered were invaluable in helping me cope with the loss and navigate my grief. I'm thankful for their kindness and dedication. Massive shout out to Lynne my bereavement councillor who was incredible with me, I’ll never forget you.

Jo G

My Mum was there for 3 weeks before she passed away in Nov . The staff and level of care was amazing, she was loved by the staff. They couldn't of done more for her. Myself and my sister were also supported. We donated a large memorial feather in our Mums memory. It's such a shame that most if their funding comes from donations.

Robert Crapnell

1st class care for my wife, I will never forget the care and attention. My will has provsion to say thank you.

Ruby Bhurji

My dad passed away in jan 26th 2005. The staff was amazing. So supportive through our difficult times. They really looked after dad. They always had a smile on their faces. So grateful for everything they did for dad and us. Just want to say a big thank you and keep up with all the hard work you all do.

Rosanna Stech

The call out night service team of Princess Alice were amazing with my Granny in her last few days. She was able to stay in her own home and have their amazing team look after her when we called them. I would like to especially say a big thank you to Camilla who was always so cheerful, professional and put us at ease when we really needed it. She would remember our family members names despite being called out to a number of houses every evening and was always a reassuring voice when she answered the phone. She made a real difference to my Granny’s end of life and I wouldn’t have wanted her to be under any other care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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