A HOSPICE charity’s heroic nursing team is celebrating after winning a top award.

Fair Havens Hospice at Home has claimed the Lifetime Achievement Community Award at the Pride of Essex Awards.

The award comes as the nursing team continues to fight through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to give patients the best possible care in these uncertain times.

With the nursing team providing care in patients’ homes, Fair Havens saw off competition from numerous other charities to pick up the top accolade.

Paula Reid-Smart, of the Hospice at Home team, admits the success comes having seen a rise in referrals since the initial Covid-19 outbreak in March.

She said: “I am so pleased and proud of the team.

“It is thoroughly deserved, especially because of the commitment and resilience they have shown during difficult times this year.

“We’ve had an increase in referrals since the pandemic, so we’re doing all we can to help patients stay in their own homes.

“This award acknowledges their hard work in making this happen.”

READ MORE

The eagerly-anticipated Pride of Essex Awards took place with a twist this year, with the coronavirus pandemic meaning the winners were revealed during a virtual ceremony.

Hospice at Home staff watched the event take place from the comfort of their own homes.

A Pride of Essex Awards spokesperson said: “For 28 years, they have provided end of life care and respite to adults, from the age of 19, with incurable or complex conditions.

“The specialist team of palliative care nurses and assistants will provide the care and compassion someone at the end of their life deserves, as well as supporting their family.

“Even during the coronavirus pandemic, the Hospice at Home team continues to work at full capacity providing care for even more patients as they try to avoid unwanted hospital admissions for their vulnerable patients.

“Since April this year, referrals to the service have increased by 30 per cent, meaning that the charity had to carry out many additional home visits.”

Basildon-based company Utilize was acknowledged for supporting Havens during these testing times.

Fundraising group Thundersley Superheroes was also recognised for raising thousands of pounds for the charity through personal appearances and campaigns.