We won a National Award for Team of the Year!

Following the successful launch of our innovative new Frailty Service earlier on this year, Garden House Hospice Care were announced as winners at this year’s Palliative and End of Life Care Awards in London.

The award celebrates exceptional teams who have made a real impact in improving the overall quality of life for individuals facing serious illness, demonstrating collaboration between different stakeholders; acute hospitals, community health professionals, care providers and hospices.

Our winner's trophy and certificate proudly on display

A first for hospices, the Frailty Service was launched on the 2nd January this year to address inequalities in access to hospice care, supporting patients living with frailty earlier on in their journey, enabling them to live and die well whilst avoiding admissions to hospital.

The Garden House Hospice Care team, under the leadership of Lisa Hunt, CEO, were commended for the way they have tirelessly implemented an innovative pathway addressing significant inequalities in hospice support access.

Garden House Hospice Care CEO, Lisa Hunt

Lisa commented:

“Last week we brought the award home to our talented and committed team of staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make a difference every day.

“Launching a brand-new service isn’t easy, it takes determination, talent, compassion and teamwork. I am so proud of every individual that makes up our team, they have always been winners in my eyes but to get this national recognition is no less than what they deserve.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of our community who continue to stand by our side, 35 years after opening our doors. As a charity, we rely heavily on the support of our community through donations. Without you we wouldn’t be able to keep caring for people who need us most. A few months ago we asked for help to fund the beginning of a brand-new service. We had a vision and you got behind us to make it a reality. Our patients will always be at the heart of everything we do, and thanks to you, we have been able to support more people earlier on in their journey who previously had nowhere to turn.”

Roger experienced the Frailty Service first-hand and now looks forward to life:

“Last week I was totally uncertain about what tomorrow was going to bring and I was scared. A week later I feel like a totally different person and I’m looking forward to life.”

Three weeks ago, Roger was admitted to hospital with symptoms of frailty. He had lost the use of his legs and wasn’t coping at home. It was there that he was introduced to the Garden House Hospice Care Frailty In-Reach Nurse, Jenny, and was transferred to the Hospice two days later.

Roger sits smiling on the Hospice's Inpatient Unit

“I went to hospital because I had nowhere else to go and I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I laid in the hospital bed for three weeks, not really sleeping, eating or moving around and I was scared about where things were going.

“Everything changed the moment I met Jenny. She was so kind, knowledgeable and gave me and my family confidence that being transferred to the Hospice was the best thing for me. I wasn’t wrong. On my first day here, I was supported to get out of bed, to have a hot shower, a freshly cooked meal and I spent time with the incredible team in the Inpatient Unit and Rehab and Wellbeing team to discuss achievable next steps. Within two days I was back on my feet and supported to walk around the beautiful hospice gardens. It’s incredible.

“They have given me my independence back.”

The Hospice’s Rehab and Wellbeing team visited Roger’s home last week, assessing his living space with him to ensure he was able to remain independent in his own environment. This week, Roger will go home and will continue to be supported by the Hospice’s Rehab and Wellbeing and Community Teams.

Lisa comments:

“We understand that integrating back into the community can be tricky when you’re living with symptoms of frailty. To breakdown barriers in access to our services, we have started a minibus service which Roger has already booked onto to take him to and from one of our 10 weekly Wellbeing Hubs.

“This service is making a difference and we won’t stop now. There are too many people that have nowhere to turn and with our expert skills and knowledge we believe we can support in plugging the gap to improve lives, like Roger’s. We have just scratched the surface, and we are honoured to be paving the way for the future of palliative care.“

Our team at the Palliative and End of Life Care awards in London 

It costs Garden House Hospice Care £7.7 million every year to run our free services in North Hertfordshire, Stevenage and towns and villages in Central Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. As a charity, we need to raise £15,300 a day to keep their services running.

To find out more about Garden House Hospice Care services, or how you can support, visit the links below or call us on 01462 679540.