Keech Hospice Care shortlisted for national awards in House of Lords

The My Care Co-ordination Team were shortlisted for an award in Effective Co-ordination of Care by the National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC).

Launched in 2014, the My Care Co-ordination Team acts as a central hub for Luton patients with long-term or end-of-life conditions in the last years of life, supporting them to stay at home, and preventing unnecessary admissions to hospital.

Sarah Myford, team leader for the My Care Coordinator service, said: “To be in the final three was a huge achievement. I cannot explain how proud I am of the team, past and present. Everyone’s passion and belief in the work we are doing is what continues to drive us forward. I have no doubt that we will continue to grow and continue to provide an amazing service to all our patients, relatives and professionals.”

The team help out with practical care, including, chasing up prescriptions, making sure there are basic food supplies at a person’s home, or cancelling an appointment.

They are also aware of the importance of being there for patients whenever needed so the My Care team offers an out-of-hours support and advice line manned by a nurse.

By coordinating services and sending in their Support Workers when more care is needed the team prevents in the region of 30 unnecessary hospital admissions a month.

Keech Hospice Care were on a shortlist of three palliative care centres in the award category Effective Co-ordination of Care – Recognising effective person-centred coordination of end-of-life care.

Sarah said: “Increasingly, patients want their place of care to be their own homes and this involves a lot of co-ordination to bring many different services together.

“Since the team formed we have built up strong relationships with the local hospital, paramedics, community services, social services and GP practices, with the aim of making sure a patient can remain at home with all the support they need.

“Patients at the end of their lives want to be cared for and die at home; our team plays a key role in enabling this wish to happen.”

The My Care Co-ordination Team works in partnership with the Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.

To find out more about Keech Hospice Care, visit: https://www.keech.org.uk/