An Essex paramedic who has helped transform end-of-life care across the East of England has received the highest honour awarded by her ambulance trust.
Justine Di Fede, regional end of life care lead at the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), has been presented with the Chief Executive Award at the organisation's Stars of EEAST Awards.
The award was handed over during a ceremony on September 10 in recognition of her work improving care for patients approaching the end of life.
Ms Di Fede, who worked as a frontline paramedic in mid and south Essex before moving into leadership roles, has helped position EEAST as a national leader in end-of-life care.
Under her leadership, the trust became the first ambulance service in the country to work towards training its workforce in the Gold Standards Framework.
Justine Di Fede said: "I am honoured to receive this award and it came as a huge surprise when my name was read out.
"This award reflects the hard work and dedication of colleagues across EEAST who are committed to providing the best possible care for patients nearing the end of life.
"I am very grateful for their support in helping make this happen."
The nationally recognised Gold Standards Framework helps clinicians identify patients who may be in the final year of their lives, understand their preferences and ensure care is provided in the most appropriate setting.
The programme is helping ambulance staff deliver more personalised care while working closely with healthcare partners and patients' families.
Gold Standards Framework principles have also been introduced within EEAST's Advanced Practice in Urgent Care team to support compassionate care during some of the most challenging moments patients and families can face.
The initiative is now attracting attention from ambulance services across the country, with several organisations beginning their own journey towards accreditation.
EEAST chief executive Neill Moloney praised Ms Di Fede's contribution when presenting the award.
He added: "Justine has not only improved care for patients and families across our region, but she has also helped position EEAST as a national leader in end-of-life care.
"Her vision, leadership and determination have driven significant improvements in how our clinicians support some of the most vulnerable patients we care for."
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