Across the many nursing disciplines, palliative nursing is often a forgotten yet irreplaceable part of the patient journey. We take this opportunity to honour and celebrate Sr Lynne Kinleyside. The palliative care provided by Sr. Lynne in our community over the last 21 years has left an indelible mark on the lives of our patients and their loved ones.
After successfully completing a Palliative Care Course in 2001, Sr Lynne was permanently employed as a Professional Nurse in the Helderberg Hospice 24hr In-Patient Unit (IPU) where she ran the ward on night shifts. In 2005 Sr Lynne took over the reigns as Senior Professional Nurse on the day shift, a post she held for 18 years until her retirement last month.
At the heart of Sr Lynne’s palliative nursing was her ability to establish trust and provide comfort to our patients, despite their own turmoil whilst navigating their life-limiting illnesses. Over two decades of service, Sr Lynne has cultivated relationships with countless patients and their loved ones, guiding them through the challenging stages of their illness. Her empathy, understanding, and compassionate presence has been a beacon of light for those navigating the complexities of their illness.
“Each patient is unique, each with their own vulnerability, despair, fear and sometimes anger. Their loved ones, families and friends also have their own expressions of despair and hopelessness which makes caring for each patient individually unique.” – Sr Lynne Kinleyside
Palliative nursing at Helderberg Hospice is not only about medical interventions. True palliative care encompasses a holistic and patient-centred approach to care. Sr Lynne and her team always ensured that patients’ physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being was catered for. This is what is needed to ensure real quality of life. From managing pain, alleviating symptoms, or providing emotional support, Sr Lynne played a pivotal role in enhancing the comfort and dignity of those in her care.
On 30 April 2023, Sr Lynne retired from Helderberg Hospice and fondly reflected on moments of joy that arose during her career. From witnessing patients achieve their personal goals, to singing Amazing Grace at a patient’s bedside, sharing laughter and Christmas dinners with patients and staff, and creating meaningful memories for families and loved ones, Sr Lynne retires with words of encouragement to other palliative nurses to “embrace life’s small victories”.
“To all palliative nurses”, Lynne said, “being a nurse is about being able to love people when they are at their weakest and worst. Make sure to find a place of solace each day to reflect and find humility“. – Sr Lynne Kinleyside
Thank you, Sr Lynne, we honour you for your unwavering dedication, your empathy, and the support given to people, which has touched their lives forever.