Heart of the Matter
Heart of the Matter with St Christopher’s Hospice
““The whole experience of St Christopher’s has been positive. They really keep their word and I always look forward to seeing them. The best part was the personal touch, because it makes you feel important. They really helped support my family too.’’”
This project arose from a discussion with my mum about her work at St Christopher’s Hospice. St Christopher’s had been running a new pilot study, trialling a new type of care. They were preparing to present the findings at a day of talks. We were discussing the idea of having something visual to bring the talks to life and make the day more patient-focused.
I arranged a meeting with Heather Richardson, Joint Chief Executive of St Christopher’s, to pitch the idea of a photography exhibition featuring some of the patients to visually support the data. The aim of this was to create a body of work that represented the patients and their stories, so they weren’t just represented as data. Heather approved the idea and arranged for me to shadow a palliative care nurse for the day. I photographed and interviewed six patients about how St Christopher’s Hospice has helped them.
I presented the photographs and quotes as an exhibition in the lobby outside the lecture theatre. The feedback was great from both the visitors and nurses from St Christopher’s. The images are now on permanent display in their new building.
