UPTON GP Jan Vaughan has joined the team of carers at St Richard's Hospice in Worcester.

Dr Vaughan, who works at the School Lane Surgery, will help look after patients with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

After completing a diploma in palliative medicine, Dr Vaughan, who lives in Malvern, wanted to extend her experience in a specialist area by putting her training to good use.

"The impact of cancer and other life-threatening illness should not mean that life itself grinds to a halt," she said.

"At St Richard's we work to help people make the best of their lives despite the effects of their disease. We do this by listening to patients and their families and finding out how we can minimise the impact of their pain and other symptoms, fears and anxieties."