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The inaugural Palliative & End of Life Care Awards 2024 were held in June in central London, recognising and celebrating excellence in palliative and end of life care in a social care or hospice setting in the United Kingdom.
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The gala event, hosted by journalist Kate Garraway, recognised initiatives within social care and/or hospices, led by care professionals, that improve how people live and die towards the end of their life. The awards shone a light on the complex role social care plays in this area, which often encompasses the care of people living with dementia, complex physical and neurological disorders, as well as other life threatening conditions.
Amongst the winners on the night were Samantha Davis-Wright, from Wright Care at Home, who won the Palliative Care Community Team award.
Maria O’Neil won the Palliative Care Nursing Award: she bought her hospice experience into the prison environment (HMP Littlehey), ultimately changing the way the prison service supports those with a life limiting illness. Maria’s passion and dedication to her role has caused a positive ripple effect which will leave a permanent legacy of improved palliative care for prisoners.
A Commendation Award went to Professor Mark Taubert in the ‘Influencer & Campaigner Category’, which included recognition for his work with BMJ SPC Forum. The judging panel said: “Mark is an exceptional and inspirational leader who goes above and beyond to pave the way for palliative care. His sense of humour is infectious and calming, along with his skills and knowledge he builds trust and enables quality of care amongst his team for those on the palliative path.”
For more information on the winners, please click here: