For many, the title ‘Director’ can conjure up an image of the big boss reclining on a leather swivel chair – not too keen on getting their hands dirty. At Saint Francis Hospice, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The Hospice’s Medical Director is very much on the frontline.
Dr Corinna Midgley cares for patients every day. She meets new referrals, treats inpatients on the ward, visits outpatients in their homes, and sees them at the Hospice.
Corinna extends her caring nature to hospice staff, too. She supports nurses in managing their ever-increasing caseloads, passing on knowledge gained from over 30 years in medicine.
With a staggering 26,000 calls each year, the Hospice’s Advice Line needs all the help it can get. The phones never stop ringing, and Corinna is there to help meet those demands.
Corinna’s team consists of:
- 2 more consultants besides herself
- 1 speciality doctor who is also a GP
- 4 doctors in training: 1 to become a consultant in palliative medicine and 3 to become GPs
- 1 hospice pharmacist
- 1 volunteer ultrasonographer who takes care of patients’ scans
People are living longer, and our population is growing. We now see a broader range of illnesses and complex medical needs. Corinna’s builds a team that’s fully prepared for patients that may not only be living with organ failure or cancer, but dementia too. She encourages each member of her team to hone in where their strengths and passions lie.
Corinna’s trainees gain a solid grounding in safe, skilled, and compassionate palliative care. She endeavours that they leave Saint Francis Hospice with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to deliver the very best of care throughout their careers.
Corinna would love to hear from health and social care professionals interested in knowing more about palliative care and Saint Francis Hospice’s services. She’d also welcome GPs or hospital doctors who are interested in doing some work for the Hospice.
