Dr Matt, Consultant in Palliative Medicine

Name: Dr Matt Carey
Job Title: Consultant Palliative Medicine
Joined the team: Appointed at Sobell House in 2019; rotated onto the KHH inpatient unit in April 2024.

What’s a typical day like?

Most days are quite varied, although there is a familiar structure. My mornings tend to start early, catching up on emails and administrative work and, importantly, beginning the day with good coffee. I review what is planned for the day and prepare by reading notes and reviewing results.

The clinical day starts with a service wide clinical check-in, followed by inpatient handover. I then spend the rest of the morning on the inpatient unit, ward rounding with the resident doctors and reviewing patients together.

After lunch, the afternoon may involve multidisciplinary team meetings, outpatient reviews, or time set aside for service development and education. Alongside my clinical work, I am the Training Programme Director for Palliative Medicine in the region, supporting the training of future consultants, and I also contribute to the development of Supportive Oncology and Kidney Supportive Care services.

What do you wish people knew about hospice care?

Many people understandably find palliative care and the idea of coming to a hospice daunting or frightening. There is often a fear that a hospice is simply a place where people come to die. In reality, hospice care is very much about life and helping people live as well as possible, for as long as possible, with comfort, dignity, and support.

People are often surprised by the warmth, care, and sense of humanity they encounter in a hospice. Another common misconception is that hospice and palliative care are only for people with cancer. In fact, we care for people with all life limiting illnesses: renal, neurological, respiratory and cardiac conditions, as well as general frailty.

Our services focus on symptom control, quality of life, and care that looks beyond symptoms to what matters most to the person and those close to them. Many people are admitted to the inpatient unit for symptom management or support during a difficult period and are then able to return home following improvement. Hospice care is about support, comfort, and living well and not just the end of life.

How does it feel to work for the hospice?

Working in a hospice is both a privilege and a responsibility. It can be emotionally demanding, but it is also deeply meaningful. Being able to support people and those close to them at an important moment in their lives, alongside a highly skilled and compassionate team helps to remind me of why this work matters. There is a strong sense of purpose, connection, and a shared commitment to supporting people well. This makes the hospice a very special place to work.

What makes Katharine House so special?

Katharine House has a strong sense of place and community. It feels welcoming and calm, with a real attentiveness to the needs of patients and those close to them. The commitment of the staff and volunteers to providing thoughtful, compassionate care is evident, and this creates an environment where people feel supported and safe.

Now for some quick-fire questions…

If I had to sum up my role in one sentence, I’d say: Deeply emotional and sometimes tiring, but always deeply rewarding.

My highlight since joining Katharine House is: The wonderful staff I work alongside… and the cakes made in the kitchen.

My proudest moment was: Graduating from Medical School. 

If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d go to: The Pacific Islands and atolls. Somewhere warm, calm, and a long way from emails.

My favourite season is: Autumn. Changing leaves, bonfires, crisp air, and a real sense of comfort.

People are often surprised when I tell them: I used to run a pub and restaurant.

My idea of a perfect day is: Starting with some exercise, followed by a walk with my dog Jackson. Catching up with family and friends, getting a few things done, and finishing the day with a Michelin-starred meal. Good food always feels like a well earned reward.

My favourite thing to eat is: As a foodie, I have many favourites, but my ultimate comfort food has to be cheese on toast. 

When I’m not at work, you will probably find me: At home pottering, cooking, seeing friends, or out walking with Jackson and whenever I can, visiting galleries, museums, or travelling. 

My go-to biscuit is: It depends on the mood, either a chocolate chip cookie or a spiced oat and raisin. 

The best animals are: Dogs, even after the worst day you’re greeted with boundless enthusiasm and unconditional love.

If I was stranded on a desert island, I would want: Friends and family. Sharing the experience would matter more than anything else. 

If I had one superpower, it would be: Teleportation, although I keep reminding myself that the journey is part of the experience. 

The best advice I’ve ever been given is: When things feel overwhelming, breathe and take it one step at a time.

Katharine House Hospice

• To find out more about the work we do, read What we do.
• Read about the End-of-life care and Palliative Care (EPiC) Resource Centre, designed to support you and your family and friends, wherever you are in your journey with Katharine House Hospice.
• To receive regular news about development at the hospice and ways to support us, please sign up to our digital newsletter.