A Day in the Life of … Dr Mike Walker GP Lead at Shooting Star
2025 marks a milestone year for Dr Mike Walker, who has worked with Shooting Star for 20 years. As the lead doctor, he works very closely with our clinical team providing expertise and support.
“Our local practice has been involved with Christopher’s since its inception. Over the years, my role and the hospices’ services have evolved.
“My hospice days vary, from routine GP care for children and siblings to prescribing any new medications, reviewing charts and coordinating with the SPACE (Specialist Paediatric Palliative Care Team) and Community Nursing team.
“I visit every Wednesday for clinical meetings and medicine management, quarterly mortality meetings and clinical governance meetings. Our practice provides out of hours support too.
“General practice is incredibly rewarding, allowing connections with families. The consulting skills we develop as GPs enhance our ability to support families, especially in difficult times. I remember a father whose baby was in for end-of-life care at the hospice. He’d been hugely traumatised watching his baby be very poorly in intensive care for months and he told us we were the first to truly sit, listen and talk with him. Creating spaces for these conversations is crucial in beginning the bereavement process in a healthy way.
“Parents often express gratitude for the hospice’s supportive and peaceful environment – which makes an enormous difference.
“I feel awareness of what children’s hospices do over the years has grown, but there is work to be done.
“Our association with Shooting Star is something we’re incredibly proud of. I love working alongside them. The team provides extraordinary care in challenging circumstances. Despite the sad moments, the value that the team provide is immeasurable.”
