Dorset hospitals honoured nationally for outstanding end-of-life care
Five wards have received the prestigious Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award
Staff across three Dorset hospitals have been nationally recognised for their exceptional commitment to providing compassionate care for patients with terminal illnesses.
Five wards have received the prestigious Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award, which sets the national benchmark for high-quality, evidence-based end-of-life care.
The award-winning wards are:
- Guernsey Ward, Herm Ward, and St Brelades Ward – Alderney Hospital, Poole
- Ashmore and Shaston Wards – Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury
- Willows Unit – The Yeatman Hospital, Sherborne
In a further accolade, the Willows Unit at The Yeatman Hospital was named GSF Ward of the Year for 2025.
Representatives from all five wards attended the GSF Conference and Awards Ceremony in Birmingham, where they were formally recognised for their outstanding work.
The GSF Quality Hallmark Award is presented to healthcare providers that proactively identify patients in their final year of life, assess both clinical and personal needs, and deliver care that minimises unnecessary hospital admissions.
It also acknowledges organisations that support families and uphold dignity, respect, and peace for patients during their final days.
Carol Brand, specialist end-of-life-nurse practitioner at Dorset HealthCare said: “This recognition highlights our on-going commitment to delivering patient-centred, dignified care at every stage of life.
"Each award represents not only excellence in end-of-life care, but also the dedication of all our teams working tirelessly to support patients and their families through this incredibly difficult time. I’m very proud of everyone involved.
“Additional congratulations go to the team at The Willows for winning Ward of the Year – a fantastic achievement which highlights the team’s exceptional hard work and commitment.”