News

We’ve had another crop of staff members join our team here at the hospice, so read on below to find out more about them!

Amy Williamson – Family Support Worker

Our newest recruit to the Family Support Team has been with us for just over two months now, and has already settled into life at Derian House after her previous stint working with young adults in Blackpool and Longridge.

Amy’s career has been extremely varied, working with both children and adults of all ages on residentials, 121’s, day trips, and direct social work. Her range of skills put her in good stead for her role predominately working with siblings here at the hospice, something of which Amy is most looking forward to.

When it came to joining us here at Derian House, Amy was interested almost immediately – she’s always been a fan of the charity sector, and the chance to work with our inspirational families was also a large factor in why she wanted to make the move.

She’s already been touched by how much love and care goes into the work we do here at the hospice, and learning more about palliative care is something Amy is looking forward to as her role within our Family Support Team develops.

When she’s not at work, Amy is proud cat mum to Toulouse and Evie (named after Aristocats and Pokémon characters, respectively!), and enjoys walks in nature.

FUN FACT: Our talented support worker can lick her elbow!

Tanya Marlow – Clinical Practice Educator

The third and final member of our Clinical Education trio – alongside Alison Morris who’s made the move from the Care Team, and Clinical Education Manager, Kirsty Blackburn – is Tanya, who joins us after five years at Royal Preston Hospital’s children’s ward.

A few years deep into her nursing role, Tanya was seconded into a new role as Clinical Educator, something of which she absolutely loved and wanted to pursue as a career.

The role at Derian House was perfect timing – our newest nurse’s secondment was almost at an end when the job opportunity at her local children’s hospice came up. She’s super excited about working as part of a brand new team, helping to develop ideas, and expanding the education department.

Outside of work, mum-of-one Tanya enjoys spending time with her three-year-old son Ollie, blogging about their days out on Instagram, and spending time up in the Lake District paddleboarding.

FUN FACT: Tanya has actually nursed in four continents – Europe, North America, Asia and Africa!

Alison Butler – Registered Nurse

Joining our Care Team in a nursing capacity is Alison, who has left her role of two and a half years at Lancaster Children’s Ward to make a difference here at Derian House.

Although she wasn’t looking for a new job, Alison couldn’t resist when the opportunity came up – she absolutely loved her time on placement at Brian House Children’s Hospice, and wanted to explore hospice work further.

She’s mostly looking forward to spending time forming relationships with our children and families, and the more holistic and nurturing approach to nursing that hospice care has to offer.

Alison is mother to three grown up children, and when she’s not at work loves going on holidays, eating out, and socialising with family and friends. She’s also a dog mum to Cookie and Bruno!

FUN FACT: At the time of writing, Alison was under pressure to come up with a fun fact… we’re sure we’ll get one out of her at some point!

Charlotte Brown – Administrator

Last but not least in our line-up is Charlotte, our brand new administrator who’s done everything from sales work to administration, and even holiday repping out in Menorca!

She joins us from working as joint admin/reception for a chiropractor practise just down the road, a role which is similar to what she’ll be doing here at Derian House.

Charlotte has had personal experience of a hospice and its environment, so knows first hand the love and care that hospices like Derian House provide, and is looking forward to getting to know everyone and meeting our families.

When she’s not at work, Charlotte will probably be on holiday! She absolutely loves travelling the world, and also has family in York (where she’s originally from), so visits frequently.

FUN FACT: Charlotte used to work for a cruise company, so at one stage of her life enjoyed lots of freebies!