A Mid Essex hospice has been recognised with a top national award for its quick response to the pandemic, with its dedicated staff stepping up to help local hospitals as they dealt with a sharp rise in patient numbers.

Farleigh Hospice, based in Chelmsford, reorganised clinical services so that it could care for more people in their own homes during the pandemic and ease pressures on the NHS.

This meant that people could have their loved ones with them during some of the toughest times of the crisis, and have access to high quality end of life care.

Alison Stevens, chief executive at Farleigh Hospice, Matt Sweeting, director of care, and Nikki Tuff, locality care team manager, were presented with the Innovation in Partnership Working Award at the Hospice UK Awards in Liverpool on Wednesday (3 November).

Matt said: "When Covid-19 struck, we knew we needed to take swift and radical action to maximise our ability to care for people in the community and in their own homes.

"Our aim was to work as one team, with the patient at the centre of what we do.

"This one team approach led to the reorganisation of our community services and the creation of our virtual ward model.

"By working in partnership with our NHS domiciliary agencies and care home colleagues, we were able to provide a range of specialist care services.

"Winning this award is fantastic, because it demonstrates that our peers believe that our integrated and flexible care approach was successful.

"Success, which could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of the entire clinical team at Farleigh during a very difficult time.

"What makes our care teams stand out is their commitment to putting the patient first and this award is testament to this."

At the awards ceremony, Tracey Bleakley, Hospice UK CEO, said: "Congratulations to Farleigh Hospice on winning the Innovation in Partnership Working Award.

"Their dedication and commitment to provide vital hospice and end of life care has been amazing to see, and without doubt has made a huge difference to the many people who rely on their support.

"We had some incredible entries for our awards this year. In spite of a difficult 18 months, there are so many inspiring projects, people and volunteers who've made a huge difference in their communities by helping people get the vital care they need.

"Whether helping to raise awareness about what end of life care is, making sure everyone in the community can get help they need or supporting families through the loss of a loved one, each of our winners has made a massive difference to the care people with life-limiting conditions and their families receive."