A DOCTOR who specialises in a unique way of caring for terminally ill patients has joined St Richard's Hospice in Worcester.

Dr Jan Vaughan, who also works at the School Lane Surgery in Upton-upon-Severn, has just completed a Diploma in Palliative Medicine.

"Palliative care focuses not only on the illness and physical symptoms, but also considers the patient and family in terms of their psychosocial and spiritual needs," she explained.

"It helps them achieve the best quality of life and possible discharge into a full life in the community or achievement of a peaceful and dignified death.

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

"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 help minimise the impact of their pain and other symptoms, fears and anxieties."

Dr Vaughan is married and lives with her family in Malvern.