Patients at South Bucks Hospice are being supported by a former lawyer who aims to make their lives easier by cutting through red tape for them.

Gerry Wigfield, who’s been a solicitor for 27 years, has recently been appointed to the role of Almoner at the Butterfly House hospice in High Wycombe.

He aims to aid patients' well-being by helping them or their family and carers with any administrative or social issues they may be facing during their illness.

Gerry, who previously specialised in residential property with a West End firm of solicitors, said: “A lot of people think the term almoner belongs in a medieval mystery novel but effectively I am a patient advocate.

“My job is to assist patients and their primary carers with any problems they may have, such as claiming attendance and carers allowance, or personal independence payments.

“I help them apply for disability blue badges and provide them with information as to lasting powers of attorney and will-making.

“Basically, I try to help the patient, or their carer negotiate complex or time-consuming administrative problems and issues.”

He joined the hospice as a volunteer around June this year and was offered a salaried part-time position at the start of October.

He now works three days a week, but stresses the role has flexibility and that he is available to help whenever called upon.

He added: “Patients and carers will come to the hospice in a state of medical and emotional vulnerability.

“For most people who come to the hospice, this will be one of the most challenging times they will have ever experienced.

“What the hospice offers is not only a haven for care, empathy and therapy, but also a modern, calming and spacious environment in which to receive that care from an amazingly dedicated team of nurses, therapists and counsellors.”