The Palliative/End of Life Award is an award for an individual or team that recognises how choices made by the person being cared for and their family is central to the service and care that is delivered.

This involves reflecting fully on what is important to the person at the end of their life.

Sponsored by: Droitwich Dental Studio

The 2023 awards will culminate in a black tie dinner for all the finalists at the Abbey Hotel in Malvern on Thursday, September 14, where the winners will be announced.

Here are your finalists:

The Gateway Service Team, St Richard’s Hospice

THIS small team of six manages all new referrals into St Richard’s Hospice, ensuring patients and families receive the right care at the right time.

Maria Kavanagh, Gateway Team Leader at the Hospice, said: “Myself and the team are bowled over and so grateful to be nominated for this award – let alone reach the finals!

“I am inspired by my colleagues in the Gateway Team every day. They work tirelessly to give patients, families and carers the right support, from the right people, in the right way.

“Our colleagues across hospice teams and in the wider healthcare sector face enormous challenges. In our small way, I hope we make a big difference.”

Skilled nurse specialists and social workers see beyond the patient to the person, and listen carefully to individuals’ needs and wishes.

They use their knowledge and excellent communication skills to help each patient access the service which will best support them.

They use their strong links with colleagues both within St Richard’s and in external healthcare settings across Worcestershire to provide key advice and support.

KEMP – The Wyre Forest Hospice

KEMP Hospice has been providing care and support to people across the Wyre Forest affected by life-limiting illness for over 50 years. Their Day Hospice sits at the heart of their care. It’s a happy hub where patients, their families and carers receive the support they need, free of charge, from a team of specialists through one-to-one clinics and in group settings.

The support the KEMP Care Services Team provides is centred around the patient, with an individualised holistic plan of care which is consistently reviewed, keeping them at the heart of everything they do.

They are a team of specialists who provide, rehab and exercise, occupational therapy, creative arts and complementary therapies, financial and welfare support, and wellbeing support.

They are caring professionals who specialise in palliative nursing care. From diagnosis to end of life, they help people live as well as possible at every stage of their journey.

They are all absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for the Palliative End of Life Award alongside Acorns and St Richard’s Hospice’s.

Acorn’s Children’s Hospice

A PARENT never imagines their child will be diagnosed with a life-limiting or lifethreatening condition. But when the unimaginable happens, Acorns Children’s Hospice steps in, helping families cope at every stage of their child’s life and beyond, wherever and whenever they need it.

At Acorns they understand what families are going through. Their dedicated teams provide specialist palliative care for children and young people across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire, and support for their families.

They are there for families through all life’s ups and downs, sharing fun and laughter in the good times, and standing alongside them in the tough times.

This support is offered from their three hospices, based in Worcester, Birmingham and Walsall, and in the community.

The hospices provide a homely environment where children take part in a range of fun and therapeutic activities, from arts and crafts sessions to hydrotherapy. Children visit Acorns for respite, short breaks, emergency and end-of-life care.