THE finalists of the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards 2022 have been announced.

The awards are being staged by Newsquest – publishers of the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, Bromsgrove & Droitwich and Redditch Advertisers and The Shuttle in conjunction with the University of Worcester.

Judging is now complete and the three finalists of the Care Hero category can be revealed.

The Palliative and End of Life Care Award is kindly sponsored by Hi-Therm - Heating homes for less.

The awards will culminate in a celebrity-backed virtual ceremony streamed on the Worcester News Facebook page on Thursday, October 13 at 7pm when the winner of each category will be announced.

The first finalist is Field House Care Home.

The person who nominated the team at Field House said: "My husband who had dementia spent the last three and a half years of his life at Field House.

"I always feared how his life would end, but I shouldn't have worried as the wonderful staff at Field House knew how to take care of both of us."

She praised the home's digital care plan which she had access to.

"Although we were still in the Covid pandemic, Field House allowed me unrestricted visiting in those last few days. I even stayed in his room one night."

And she praised the Field House family of carers including seniors, management and administrative staff, housekeeping staff, catering, activity coordinators, maintenance and gardening staff, not forgetting the "wonderful owners".

Chandler Court is the second finalist.

End-of-life care begins from the beginning of a residents life at Chandler Court. They and their families are able to discuss with the team how they would like the end to be, from views on everything from resuscitation to medication, funeral plans and how loved ones can be there when the time comes.

The outcome of the discussion forms part of each residents overall care plan (which also involves input from residents and their families) and can be altered if circumstances change.

One relative said: "The carers were superb in keeping us updated as to his condition and were thoughtful and caring and updated us regularly as he became weaker. We have the utmost praise for everyone at Chandler Court for their care and compassion."

End-of-life care at Chandler Court does not stop at death. A resident’s family is still part of the home’s family. They can spend as much time as they wish before their loved one goes with funeral directors. The home team always sends a card and, flowers or a donation to charity, and team members attend residents’ funerals whenever possible. A Memory Tree in reception keeps the memory of past residents alive.

Kemp Hospice is the third finalist.

KEMP Hospice provides valuable care and support to people across the Wyre Forest affected by life-limiting conditions.

It gives end of life care, counselling, and emotional support free of charge. The support the KEMP Care Services Team provides is centred around the patient, with a tailored care plan which is consistently reviewed, keeping them at the heart of everything they do.

Day hospice patient Sharon was referred to KEMP Hospice following a diagnosis of stage 4 Motor Neurone Disease in May 2022. Since her initially referral, KEMP Care Services team have assessed her clinical needs, have supported her practical needs, and ensured that her psychological and spiritual needs are being met.