AFTER much deliberation the finalists of the 2021 Worcestershire Health & Social Care Awards have been revealed.

The awards were launched - in conjunction with the University of Worcester - earlier this year to recognise the talent and dedication of those heroes who work in the industry.

Run by Newsquest’s Worcestershire titles, including the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, The Shuttle, Droitwich & Bromsgrove Advertiser and Redditch Advertiser, the aim of the awards is to champion those teams and individuals that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to care for people during the Covid pandemic.

Winner will be announced in a celebrity-backed virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, May 27 - to be broadcast on Facebook.

Today we are meeting the three finalists in the Palliative/End of Life category.

St Richard's Hospice

THE living well team at St Richard’s Hospice is a finalist in the Palliative/End of Life category of the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards.

The Living Well Team`s vision is to work to ensure patients and their families feel empowered to live well with their illness and have the best quality of life possible, and this did not change during the pandemic.

Debbie Westwood, care director at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “I am thrilled our Living Well services team is shortlisted.

"Looking back at all they achieved through the pandemic, I am filled with pride at their unwavering dedication to patient care in challenging times.

"The team worked swiftly to adapt their services in line with Covid restrictions, which meant care could continue over the phone and by video call. Thanks to their actions, patients and carers continue to feel supported through such difficult, and worrying times.

"All our teams have achieved so much over the past year, and I am immensely proud of them all.”

Burcot Lodge

BURCOT Lodge’s deputy care manager, Josh Oakes, said staff were “very excited” to have been shortlisted for the Palliative/End of Life award.

Mr Oakes said: “It is great for our team who always go the extra mile.

“Even during Covid the team has still seen the importance in good end of life care and given phenomenal care to the residents at all times.

“They have just been amazing. We are really excited for the awards night. Even if we don’t win it is nice to be shortlisted, to be recognised.”

The nomination for the care home, based in Bromsgrove, said: “We cannot speak highly enough of Burcot Lodge and the care, compassion and support of my father in the last days of his life.

"Whilst he was there sadly for only a short time it was the right thing to move him to the calm and supportive environment of Burcot.

"Every single member of the staff operated as a team: efficient but all completely focused on the best for dad and his family.”

Lawns Nursing Home

ANOTHER of the finalists in the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards Palliative / End of Life category is Lawns Nursing Home in Kempsey.

A lengthy nomination for the Main Road home said: “The team were recognised as finalists in care home of the year by the Gold Standard Framework for End of Life Care.

"This is an accolade that has been given in recognition for their sustained work in providing both residents and their families with the care and support required whilst nursing someone who has been denoted to be end of life.

“The team have maintained close links within the church in Kempsey and have ensured that the religious needs of the resident is recognised and supported as they approach end of life, facilitating visits to give support and peace."

The popular nursing home was given lots of support by Worcester residents after an appeal for toiletries was made in the Worcester News at the start of the pandemic.