Sherborne’s community hospital wins national award

A ward at Sherborne’s Yeatman Hospital has impressed judges to become the first-ever ‘Hospital Ward of the Year’ for end-of-life care.

Staff at The Willows were presented with the award by the Gold Standards Framework (GSF), a national programme to help improve care for people in their final days.

It acknowledged the team’s dedication to give patients and their families the best possible experience, supported by sympathetic, state-of-the-art facilities – which were recently enhanced by an additional garden area.

The hospital, run by Dorset HealthCare, has long had one end-of-life care suite with its own bedroom, en-suite bathroom, kitchen, living area and designated garden.

And last year a donation from the hospital’s Friends group funded a second. Named after former hospital matron Ada Kearvell, this suite also features sensory lighting and a music system.

Julie Armstrong-Wilson, GSF Chief Nurse, said: “What marks out The Willows is the extraordinary lengths staff have gone to in creating the very best possible environment, which really is above and beyond what is to be expected in a community hospital.

“Not only have they really grasped the ethos of GSF, but they have also dedicated significant resources, time and consideration to supporting families as well as their patients. Their holistic approach really is an example to all.”

The Ada Kearvell suite was recently expanded to include its own garden area, largely funded by patients who left money in their will for the project.

A total of £7,500 brought the project to fruition, and patients are now able to enjoy feeling the sunshine and breeze on their faces when the weather allows.

Hospital Matron Anne Hiscock said: “The garden is a beautiful space where patients can be wheeled into the garden on their bed or sit outside on the chairs. They can take in all the different smells from the lavender, honeysuckle and roses that have been planted while enjoying the fresh air.

“We would like to give our sincere thanks to the patients and families that have helped us to create this garden, as well as the Friends of the Yeatman.”