A FORMER Marie Curie Nurse has been appointed as hospice manager of the charity’s Cardiff and the Vale Hospice in Penarth.

Paula Elson has been appointed as hospice manager of the Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice, and will help lead nurses, carers and other staff in providing specialist care to around 600 in-patients, 870 out-patients and 2,000 day care attendees every year.

After training at the West Glamorgan School of Nursing, Paula developed a keen interest in working with people living with a terminal illness. She took up a role as a Palliative Care Bank Nurse at Y Bythyn Newydd in the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, as well as becoming Sister of Ty Bryngwyn Hospice in Llanelli. During this time, Paula also worked as a part-time Marie Curie nurse providing care for people at home.

Eventually she went on to become community team leader with the St David’s Foundation in Gwent, and also held the position of community team leader at the Ty Olwen specialist palliative care unit serving Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot.

Among her other career highlights was a seven year stint with the Royal College of Nursing, working with local health boards in Wales to develop clinical leadership across the profession.

Paula has headed up the Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice for three months in an interim capacity.

Paula said of her role: “I’ve always seen Marie Curie as epitomising fantastic palliative care, and I want the hospice to mirror this and continue providing great care for local people. I hope to strengthen and build on the foundations we already have here so we can continue to deliver the high quality care people need and deserve.

“Our job is to care for people with terminal illnesses and make a difference for them and their family at a time that they can’t repeat, and I think we’re really privileged to be a part of that. For me, coming into this role means I can influence things and make a difference for those people.”

Andrew Wilson-Mouasher, divisional general manager for Marie Curie, said: “Paula brings a wealth of experience in nursing, specialist palliative care, nursing leadership and health service management, and I am thrilled to have her on board as hospice manager at the Cardiff and the Vale Hospice.”

Paula was born in Maesteg and lives in Kenfig Hill with her partner, Chris.

For more information about the Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk or call 02920 426000.