Remembering Angela Howe
Angela qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1987. Much of her nursing career was spent specialising and working within Cancer and Palliative Care and it was this knowledge and expertise that she brought to her work. She was responsible for the strategic and operational management of Specialist Palliative Care Services provided by Northamptonshire Health Care and then became Head of Service Development for the hospice charities in the county.
Angela was pivotal in the development of many areas of care delivered by hospice services in Northamptonshire. Major projects she undertook during her many years working within palliative care in the county include the significant expansion of the Hospice at Home service, her drive to focus on outcomes for patients and families, and expansion of the wellbeing service based at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, with a model of care that had quality of life and empowerment as its focus, enabling patients to maintain their independence for as long as possible in the community.
Whatever she did Angela brought her support, kindness and help to all those she worked with.
Dr John Smith, Patron and Trustee of Cransley Hospice Trust and former consultant in palliative medicine, said “Angela could get things done and done well, with the simple motivation of improving the scope and quality of care to patients with life limiting illness. Developments were always thoroughly researched and then monitored once they were put in place. She was a joy to work alongside never leaving her nursing roots behind, they were the bedrock of all that she was and all that she did. Throughout her long and distressing illness, she continued to work when she could, however ill she was, she always made herself available to offer support and advice. What a wise and compassionate lady she was.”
Pam Nock, Chair of Trustees of Cynthia Spencer Hospice commented: “To know that Angela received the same care at home that she helped pioneer over 13-years ago is immensely satisfying. We truly hope this gives her family and friends the comfort of knowing that the care she received was not only a result of her dedication and hard work, but that it forms part of the legacy of care she leaves behind for the people of Northamptonshire.”
Angela’s determination to keep as fit as possible while dealing with her cancers and keeping positive throughout was an inspiration to us all. She will be deeply missed by her colleagues at both Cransley Hospice Trust and Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity.
The funeral will take place on 17th August at 3pm at Kettering Crematorium.