Sylwia Borejsza – Senior Housekeeper at Hospice Isle of Man

“I feel super proud to be part of this incredible place. I have wonderful memories of over the past 16 years, where I have met the most inspirational people both staff and patients who attend Hospice during their illness”

“I moved to the Isle of Man in 2006.

I started working at St Bridget’s Hospice in 2007 as a flexi bank member of staff within the housekeeping team. This was over an 8 month period.

I saw an advertisement looking for a permanent member of the housekeeping team, which I applied for and was successful. I joined a team of 4 other housekeepers.

After 16 years of working within the organization I am now managing/ supervising the housekeeping team. My role involves working closely with each department within Hospice ensuring the building is kept clean and in line with infection control standards. I also ensure that the clinical areas have sufficient medical supplies to allow the day to day running for patient care requirements.

I feel super proud to be part of this incredible place. I have wonderful memories of over the past 16 years, where I have met the most inspirational people both staff and patients who attend Hospice during their illness.

For me personally, it is a privilege to be able to make a difference for those people who are struggling with a terminal diagnosis. Being able to support patients and families during a time that is difficult and painful is what makes my job rewarding.

I would like to share two of my most memorable experiences of working at hospice.

Firstly, I recall when I was attending the in-patient unit and I observed a member of staff approach a patient who was clearly struggling emotionally. That member of staff was so compassionate and kind towards the patient. The words she used to comfort that patient was something I never encountered before in my life. It was there and then I said to myself ‘this is where I want to be & continue working with people like this’. It taught me a real lesson about life and empathy that very day!

Secondly, I remember with great fondness how staff and patients embraced me when I started working within the organization. I struggled being away from my home and English not being my first language. The memories of learning English words and phrases from colleagues, left me feeling supported. This allowed me to gain confidence. There is not a day that goes by where I don’t pick up a new word, this makes me smile even on ‘down’ days.

Hospice to me is like my ‘wider family’, I reflect back on attending Hospice’s 25th anniversary ball and now 15 years later I am excited to be part of Hospice’s 40th anniversary! Happy 40th anniversary Hospice, it has been full of wonderful memories both emotional and joyful and I look forward to seeing what the future holds!”