Service Team of the Year Award winners 2020

This very special team of volunteers - Liz, Dianne, Liz and Belinda - provide end of life support for patients and their loved ones. They work with the Macmillan Palliative Care team at their local hospital, actively looking out for people who may need support.

They have also built strong relationships with the ward staff, who massively value their contribution as the team provides the extra care they don’t have time to do themselves.

Liz, Dianne, Liz and Belinda have embraced this difficult role wholeheartedly, and their inspiring levels of commitment have made this vital service flourish.

For example, they are helping to improve the standards of terminal care in hospitals by sharing their experiences with Macmillan professionals. Many of their suggestions have been implemented, helping us to bring extra support to people when they need it most. The team have also researched better ways to care for the dying and improved their communication skills so nothing is misunderstood at this most vital time.

Between April - September 2019 the team visited 140 patients, providing personal care and giving people the chance to talk and share feelings, or just the comfort of someone being there. They also gave relatives much needed breaks with the peace of mind of knowing their loved ones were in good hands until their return.

The compassion, empathy and kindness they show to people with cancer, their relatives and ward staff are way beyond expectation. Liz, Dianne, Liz and Belinda, you are totally amazing.