A HOSPICE boss has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for his work transforming the organisation to achieve his ambition of “providing more care for more patients”.

Steve Smith, chief executive of Havens Hospices, is in the running for the Rising CEO title at the Third Sector Awards.

The 47-year-old came into post in August 2019, with the ambition of “putting patients and families at the heart of every decision”.

Fair Havens moved to its new £17.2 million, purpose-built facility in Prittlewell in March 2020, and cared for its first patient just weeks before the Covid lockdown measures.

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Despite challenges, Fair Havens and the other care services of Havens Hospices – Little Havens, Fair Havens Hospice at Home, The J’s and supportive care through the Wellbeing Team – continued throughout the pandemic.

The charity supported some adults and children to stay at home at the end of their life, while many of the therapies and activities were taken online so patients could access them while shielding.

Mr Smith, a former vice principal at Leigh’s Belfairs School, said: “It’s an honour to have been shortlisted alongside inspirational leaders who are also changing the landscape for their own charitable causes.

“Havens Hospices couldn’t have achieved as much as it has in the last 24 months without the belief, dedication and perseverance of our staff and volunteers, especially during the pandemic.

“We’ve also built and strengthened relationships with our healthcare partners, which was one of my priorities to increase and improve patient care. We’d had some positive discussions about joint working, which Coronavirus hastened, so I’m thankful to those colleagues too for their support.”

Havens Hospices helps to care for children and adults with complex or incurable conditions. The hospices also offer bereavement support.