My name is Jackie Whiller, and I am the Lead Consultant Community Nurse at Mountbatten Isle of Wight. For the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege of caring for people during the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

When my mum died in hospital, I realised just how precious time is. Life is too short, and I knew I wanted to dedicate mine to helping others.

I began my career as a healthcare assistant in a hospital, but I quickly realised I wanted to do more. In 2001, I started my nurse training, and during that time, I had a placement at the hospice. I loved every minute of it. It was then that I knew I wanted to return to Mountbatten one day.

In 2013, my journey as a Mountbatten nurse began. Since then, I’ve been supported by Mountbatten to grow and develop, eventually becoming a consultant nurse.

My day begins at 8 am with a handover meeting, where my team and I review updates on the patients we’re supporting in the community and any new referrals we’ve received.

Afterwards, I work with my team to allocate tasks for the day and provide advice or guidance on any concerns they may have. This is one of my favourite parts of the job—using my skills and experience to encourage and empower Mountbatten nurses to be the best they can be.

I also meet with new patients, either at the John Cheverton Centre or in their own homes, to explore how Mountbatten can support them. Meeting people is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. It’s about helping them feel relaxed and secure in the care we provide and making a meaningful impact on how they view death and dying.

Hospice community care is vital. Many people don’t want to go to a hospital or even to the inpatient unit at the hospice. Nurses like me bring the same high-quality care to them in their own homes, where they feel most comfortable, surrounded by their loved ones.

Supporting people in their own homes is incredibly special. There’s a certain magic in being welcomed into a family’s life during such a personal and emotional time. Mountbatten nurses bring a sense of calm and comfort, not just to the person who is dying, but to their entire family.

Providing care at home can also help families during their bereavement. Knowing they were able to keep their loved one at home, as they wished, often brings them peace and comfort in the days and weeks that follow.

If you’re reading my story and feel nervous or unsure about reaching out to Mountbatten, please don’t be. Mountbatten is not a dark or gloomy place. It’s a place filled with laughter, friendship, and care.

I encourage you to give us a call or visit the John Cheverton Centre. Come for a cup of tea, a slice of cake, and a tour of the hospice. We will warmly welcome you and your loved ones.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I feel truly privileged to work for Mountbatten and to be a Mountbatten nurse.

Your support makes this work possible. Together, we can continue to provide care, comfort, and dignity to those who need it most.

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