The family link team at Noah's Ark children's hospice has won Hospice UK's Team of the Year award.
Pennie Taylor presenting the Hospice Uk Team of the Year Award to Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Noah's Ark children's hospice
At the Hospice UK Conference, held last month in Glasgow, Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Barnet-based Noah's Ark children's hospice, picked up the Hospice UK Michael Howard Award for Hospice Team of the Year on behalf of her hospice's family link team.
The family link team fought off competition from some impressive entrants, but their victory was deserved as they are unique. Noah’s Ark are the only hospice which allocates a dedicated family link worker to each family from the point of referral to where the family no longer needs its services or to the child’s death and beyond. The families develop a very close bond with their family link worker and those relationships are absolutely vital to the families they support.
The essence of the team is doing the ‘thinking’ and the ‘doing’ for families so they can do the ‘being’ and the ‘feeling’. The team seek to free the families from some of the anxieties, pressures and stresses of their lives. The team is made up of ten holistic, innovative family advocates, who work alongside families to co-ordinate the myriad of components that make up the life of a family with a child with a life-threatening or life-limiting condition.
They promote effective communication between all the differing medical professionals in these children’s lives and provide a consistent presence to help co-ordinate and navigate the complex processes and systems that can be overwhelming for families.
Whether it’s liaising with social services, medical professionals, energy companies, housing, education or benefits entitlements, there isn’t much that this team of dedicated, passionate practitioners won’t do for those they support.
The Hospice UK Michael Howard Award for Hospice Team of the Year celebrates an outstanding team that has made a positive impact to its hospice, its service users or staff and who recognise the importance of collaborative partnerships and services to reach more people and deliver better outcomes at the end of life. The award is named in honour of Michael Howard, Rt. Hon. Lord Howard of Lympne, CH, KC, former chair and currently a vice president of Hospice UK's Board of Trustees.
Hospice UK’s mission is to promote and protect hospice care for all who need it, for now and forever. As the national champion for hospices, they fight to make sure hospice care is there for everyone, from every background. They fight to make sure hospices are able to deliver the best, most personalised care and fight to make sure hospices can thrive – today and into the future. They represent the community of more than 200 hospices across the UK and do everything they can for children and adults living with long-term illness, or approaching the end of their lives.
Sophie Andrews, said: ‘I’m delighted that our family link team have been honoured by Hospice UK. They are tireless in supporting children and families to achieve the best possible outcomes and their dedication and tenacity delivers a first-class service that is vital to our offering and highly valued by families.’
Charlotte Alldridge, head of holistic services at the hospice, said: ‘We are very proud of the family link team and the unique and pivotal role they play in providing bespoke and holistic palliative care for the children and families supported by Noah’s Ark. The team truly work as one to make a real difference to the lives of those they support and it’s wonderful to see that work recognised.’
Catherine Bosworth, director of income generation and grants, Hospice UK, who was part of the judging panel for this award said: ‘As judges of this award, we were particularly impressed by the family link team's commitment to building strong external partnerships. Their tenacity, and co-operation with local charities and social services demonstrates a truly joined-up, collaborative approach, avoiding working in a silo at all costs. The family link team at Noah's Ark are a shining example of a team who have gone above and beyond, creating truly life-changing partnerships to support the children and families they serve.’
Noah’s Ark children’s hospice helps babies, children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and their families, make the most of every day. The charity supports those who die young to do so in as much comfort as possible, surrounded by family. By providing exceptional care, organising fun activities and days out, Noah’s Ark helps families do things they never thought possible. They help those they support to enjoy life as children, rather than as patients; as families, not just as carers.
The hospice is based in Barnet and welcomes the referrals of babies, children and young people who meet their acceptance criteria and who live in the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Islington or Hertsmere. Noah’s Ark’s costs are currently around £6m per annum to provide essential services to babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell and their families.
Noah's Ark website
